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The United States men’s national team has done something it hasn’t done in 24 years — win a World Cup knockout match. Mauricio Pochettino’s side defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina in a dramatic Round of 32 clash on Thursday, securing a place in the last 16 where they will face Belgium. But the victory came at a steep price.
What Happened?
Folarin Balogun opened the scoring for the co-hosts, continuing his red-hot form in the tournament with his third goal in three games. The former Arsenal and England U-21 striker has become the talismanic figure for this US squad, with the home crowd roaring every time he touched the ball.
After having an earlier effort ruled out for offside, Balogun made no mistake when it counted, firing a sharp finish past the Bosnia goalkeeper to send the stadium into euphoria.
But the night turned bittersweet. In a moment of frustration, Balogun was shown a straight red card — making him the first player to score and be sent off in a World Cup knockout match since Zinedine Zidane’s infamous headbutt in the 2006 final.
Christian Pulisic thought he had doubled the lead in the 78th minute, but another offside flag cut the celebrations short. It was left to Malik Tillman to finally secure the win, slotting home to seal a historic victory.
What This Means for US Soccer
This win marks the USA’s first World Cup knockout victory since 2002 and their first win over a European side in 11 matches. Under Pochettino’s guidance, this team has shown grit, attacking flair, and the ability to perform under pressure.
However, the big question now is how the US will cope against Belgium without their star striker. Balogun’s red card means he’ll be suspended for the last 16 clash — a massive blow for a team that has relied heavily on his goal-scoring instinct.
Other World Cup Knockout Results
| Match | Result |
|---|---|
| USA vs Bosnia-Herzegovina | USA wins (Tillman, Balogun) |
| Belgium vs Senegal | Belgium wins 3-2 AET (comeback from 2-0 down) |
| England vs DR Congo | England wins 1-0 (Kane winner) |
| Mexico vs Ecuador | Mexico advances |
Upcoming Matches to Watch
| Date | Match | Round |
|---|---|---|
| July 2 | Spain vs Austria | Round of 32 |
| July 3 | Portugal vs Croatia | Round of 32 |
| July 4 | Brazil vs Japan | Round of 16 |
| July 5 | France vs Sweden | Round of 16 |
| TBD | USA vs Belgium | Round of 16 |
FAQ
Where is the 2026 World Cup being held?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is being hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico — the first time three nations have co-hosted the tournament.
How many goals has Folarin Balogun scored in the tournament?
Balogun has scored 3 goals in 3 matches, making him the USA’s top scorer and one of the leading contenders for the Golden Boot.
Will Balogun play against Belgium?
No. The red card carries an automatic suspension, meaning Balogun will miss the Round of 16 clash against Belgium.
When was the last time the USA won a World Cup knockout match?
The United States had not won a knockout match since 2002, when they defeated Mexico 2-0 in the Round of 16.
Final Thoughts
This is a monumental moment for US soccer. The team has broken a 24-year knockout drought and shown they can compete on the world stage. But with Balogun sidelined against a dangerous Belgium side, Pochettino will need to dig deep into his tactical bag.
Whether you’re watching from the stadium, at a watch party, or on your streaming setup at home, these are the moments that make the World Cup special. For the best viewing experience, make sure your TV and sound system are up to par — check out our best budget tech guides to elevate your matchday setup.
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