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USA 2-0 Bosnia: Balogun Scores, Sees Red as USMNT Wins First World Cup Knockout Since 2002
The United States men’s national team finally ended a 24-year drought on Thursday, defeating Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0 in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup to secure their first knockout stage victory since 2002.
But the win came at a cost — star striker Folarin Balogun will miss the next match after receiving a red card, making unwanted history in the process.
A Night of High Drama
Playing in front of a raucous crowd at one of the tournament’s co-host venues, the USMNT came out with intensity from the first whistle. The pressure paid off when Folarin Balogun slotted home a sharp finish to open the scoring in the first half.
The 24-year-old Monaco striker, who has been in red-hot form with three goals in three World Cup appearances, thought he had added another earlier but saw his strike correctly ruled out for offside.
Christian Pulisic nearly doubled the lead in the 78th minute but was also denied by the offside flag. It was Malik Tillman who finally sealed the victory, finding the back of the net to send the American fans into delirium and secure a historic win.
Balogun’s Bitter-Sweet Night
While Balogun was the hero for much of the match, his evening took a dark turn when he was shown a red card — becoming the first player to both score and be sent off in a World Cup knockout match since France’s Zinedine Zidane in the 2006 final.
The red card means Balogun will be suspended for the USA’s next match, a daunting Round of 16 clash against Belgium. With three goals in the tournament, Balogun has been arguably the USMNT’s best player, and manager Mauricio Pochettino will have a massive tactical puzzle to solve without him.
Breaking the European Curse
The win also marked the USMNT’s first victory over a European side in 11 attempts — a statistic that had hung over Pochettino’s squad throughout the tournament.
“This team showed incredible character,” said sources close to the US camp. “The way they handled the pressure, the adversity of losing a key player, and still closed out the game says everything about the culture Pochettino has built.”
What’s Next?
The USMNT advances to the Round of 16 where they will face Belgium, one of Europe’s most dangerous sides. With Balogun suspended, Pochettino will need to reshuffle his attack — likely turning to the depth of the squad that has yet to be fully tested in this tournament.
The match is expected to take place on July 6, a game that could define the legacy of this golden generation of American soccer.
Upcoming World Cup Knockout Matches
- July 2: Spain vs Austria (Round of 32)
- July 3: Two Round of 32 matches
- July 4: Two Round of 32 matches
- July 5: Two Round of 32 matches
- July 6: USA vs Belgium (Round of 16)
FAQ
When was the last time the US won a World Cup knockout match before this?
The USMNT’s last World Cup knockout victory came in 2002 when they defeated Mexico 2-0 in the Round of 16. They had lost every knockout match since — in 2010 (Ghana), 2014 (Belgium), and 2022 (Netherlands).
Who scored for the USA against Bosnia?
Folarin Balogun opened the scoring and Malik Tillman sealed the win. Both goals came from open play in what was a disciplined attacking performance from the Americans.
Will Balogun play against Belgium?
No. Balogun received a red card against Bosnia and will be suspended for the Round of 16 match. Manager Mauricio Pochettino will need to find a replacement up front.
Where can I watch the next USA vs Belgium World Cup match?
The match will be broadcast on Fox Sports in the US, with streaming available on FuboTV and other major platforms. Check your local listings for exact kickoff time.
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