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Published: July 2, 2026 | Reading time: 3 min
What Happened?
Malik Tillman scored the decisive goal in the 82nd minute to send the US through to the Round of 16 for the first time since 2002. But the story of the night was Folarin Balogun.
The 24-year-old striker — who had already scored three goals in the tournament — set up the winner before being sent off late in the match, becoming the first player to score and receive a red card in a World Cup knockout game since France’s Zinedine Zidane in the 2006 final.
It was a moment of pure chaos and drama that had the crowd roaring from start to finish.
Match Recap: How It Unfolded
First Half — Frustration
The US dominated possession early but struggled to break down a compact Bosnia defense. Christian Pulisic thought he had opened the scoring in the 32nd minute when Balogun fired a sharp finish past the keeper — only for the linesman’s flag to cut celebrations short. Offside.
The momentum stayed with the Americans though. Pulisic had another effort ruled out in the 78th minute after prodding home from close range, again flagged offside.
Second Half — Breakthrough
Just when it looked like extra time was looming, Malik Tillman stepped up. In the 82nd minute, Balogun turned provider, slipping a perfectly weighted pass through to Tillman, who slotted home coolly past the Bosnian keeper.
The stadium erupted. It was the USMNT’s first knockout-stage goal since 2014 — and their first knockout win since 2002.
The Red Card Drama
Deep into stoppage time, Balogun — who had been the US’s talisman all tournament — was shown a straight red card for a challenge in midfield. The replay showed a late, studs-up tackle. It was harsh, but the referee’s decision stood.
Balogun entered World Cup trivia history: the first player since Zidane to both score and be sent off in a knockout match. The difference? Zidane’s red card came in a loss. Balogun’s came in a win that keeps America dreaming.
What’s Next: USA vs Belgium
The US now faces a massive Round of 16 matchup against Belgium — one of the toughest tests in world football.
| Match | Date | Round |
| USA vs Belgium | July 5, 2026 | Round of 16 |
| Spain vs Austria | July 2, 2026 | Round of 32 |
| Portugal vs Croatia | July 2, 2026 | Round of 32 |
The big question: Can the US handle Belgium without Balogun, who will be suspended following his red card? Pochettino will need to reshuffle his attack.
FAQ
Was Balogun’s red card justified?
It was a late challenge with studs showing. While some fans argue it was a harsh call in a knockout game, it was technically a red-card tackle by the rulebook.
Has the US ever won a World Cup knockout match before?
Yes — but only once. The US beat Mexico 2-0 in the Round of 16 in the 2002 World Cup. Before Thursday, they hadn’t won a knockout match since.
Who will replace Balogun against Belgium?
Ricardo Pepi or Josh Sargent are the likely candidates to step in up front. Pochettino may also switch to a 4-4-1-1 formation with Pulisic playing behind a single striker.
Where can I watch the USA vs Belgium match?
The match will be broadcast on Fox Sports (English) and Telemundo (Spanish) in the US, with streaming available on FuboTV, YouTube TV, and Sling TV.
Final Thoughts
This was the kind of win that builds belief. The US didn’t just survive — they controlled the game, created chances, and found a way through against a stubborn European side. Losing Balogun hurts, but this team has shown resilience.
If you’re planning to watch the Belgium match and want the best viewing experience, check out our guide to the best TVs for sports and gaming or grab some streaming gear on Amazon to up your match-day setup.
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