Ten-man USA beat Bosnia and will face Belgium in the World Cup 2026 Round of 16

The United States continue their confident run at the home World Cup. Mauricio Pochettino’s team defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 and advanced to the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they will face Belgium.

The tournament co-hosts are still moving forward without a defeat and secured a huge victory despite being reduced to ten men in the second half.

The USA opened the scoring late in the first half. Folarin Balogun struck in the 45th minute, sending the American team into the break with a narrow lead.

After half-time, however, the situation became much more difficult for Pochettino’s side. In the 64th minute, Balogun was shown a red card, leaving the USA a man down for almost half an hour. Bosnia and Herzegovina were given a chance to get back into the match, but the Americans withstood the pressure and protected their advantage.

The decisive moment came in the 82nd minute. Malik Tillman produced a brilliant free-kick to score the USA’s second goal. That strike effectively settled the contest and became one of the standout moments of the match.

Tillman was named Player of the Match. The USA midfielder was excellent on the ball and scored a goal that will be remembered for a long time in American World Cup history.

The win over Bosnia and Herzegovina was the USA’s first World Cup knockout victory since 2002, when Bruce Arena’s team beat Mexico 2-0 in the Round of 16.

The United States now face a major test against Belgium in the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup. Pochettino’s side approach the match in excellent spirits: the hosts remain unbeaten and continue to dream of a historic run on home soil.

World Cup 2026. Knockout stage

USA — Bosnia and Herzegovina — 2-0

Goals: Balogun, 45 — 1-0; Tillman, 82 — 2-0.
Red card: Balogun, 64.