TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Goals from Folarin Balogun and Malik Tillman sent the United States (USA) national team into the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup after a 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Thursday, Western Indonesian Time.
This victory also means that all three 2026 World Cup host nations have advanced to the round of 16, after Canada beat South Africa 1-0, followed by Mexico, who beat Ecuador 2-0.
The United States started the match brightly when Christian Pulisic made a run in the fourth minute, but his shot was blocked by the Bosnian defense.
In the ninth minute, Bosnia countered with a combination of two attackers. Edin Dzeko received the ball, which was then finished off by Ermedin Demirovic with a powerful shot. Unfortunately, goalkeeper Matthew Freese was quick to save the Stuttgart striker's shot.
The Levi's Stadium crowd cheered wildly when the Americans broke the deadlock in the 30th minute, Balogun unleashing a left-footed shot that ripped through the Bosnian net after a pressing situation. Unfortunately, the goal was later disallowed because Balogun was caught offside.
The deadlock was finally broken right at the end of regulation time in the first half when Balogun was perfectly positioned to finish off a loose ball from Tillman that had deflected off two Bosnian players.
Balogun's left-footed shot wasn't particularly powerful, but it was enough to beat goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj and give the Americans a 1-0 lead. The Americans actually had a golden opportunity to double their lead in the eighth minute of stoppage time, but Balogun's shot, while standing relatively free, sailed over the crossbar.
The Americans' tempo slowed slightly in the second half, especially as they were reduced to 10 men from the 64th minute after Balogun was shown a straight red card by referee Raphael Claus for a violent foul on Tarik Muharemovic.
Bosnian coach Sergej Barbarez responded to the situation by bringing on two more attacking players, Amar Memic and Haris Tabakovic, to replace Nikola Katic and Sead Kolasinac, respectively.
Unfortunately, this move didn't significantly change Bosnia's game. The United States doubled their lead in the 82nd minute through Tillman's free kick after Sergino Dest was brought down by Stjepan Radeljic just outside the penalty area.
Tillman's goal proved unanswerable for Bosnia, and the United States advanced to the round of 16, where they awaited Belgium, who had earlier eliminated Senegal with a dramatic 3-2 victory. The round of 16 match between the United States and Belgium is scheduled for Tuesday (7/7) WIB at Lumen Field Stadium in Seattle, Washington.
Starting Lineups:
United States (4-2-3-1): Matthew Freese (GK); Alexander Freeman, Chris Richards, Tim Ream, Antonee Robinson; Malick Tillman, Tyler Adams; Sergino Dest (Sebastian Berhalter), Weston McKennie (Giovanni Reyna), Christian Pulisic (Ricardo Pepi), Folarin Balogun.
Coach: Mauricio Pochettino.
Bosnia and Herzegovina (3-4-1-2): Nikola Vasilj (GK); Nikola Katic (Amar Memic), Stjepan Radelic, Tarik Muharemovic; Amar Dedic, Armin Gigovic (Esmir Bajratarevic), Ivan Sunjic (Benjamin Tahirovic), Sead Kolasinac (Haris Tabakovic); Kerim Alajbegovic; Edin Dzeko (Ermin Mahmic), Ermedin Demirovic.
Coach: Sergej Barbarez.
(*)
Read: Harry Kane Sends England Into World Cup Last 16
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