FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 – ROUND OF 32
USA………………………………………..…..2
Bosnia & Herzegovina…..…………..….0
The USA booked their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after beating Bosnia & Herzegovina 2-0 at Levi’s Stadium, earning only their second knockout-stage victory in World Cup history.
Playing in front of a passionate home crowd, the Americans knew they had to end a poor run against European teams at the World Cup. However, Bosnia started brightly, with goalkeeper Matt Freese making an important save to deny Ermedin Demirović early in the match.
The USA gradually settled into the game and thought they had taken the lead after 30 minutes, but Folarin Balogun’s finish was ruled out for offside. The striker did find the net just before half-time, though, reacting quickest to a loose ball inside the area to give the hosts a deserved 1-0 lead. He nearly doubled the advantage moments later, but his effort struck the crossbar.
Bosnia suffered another setback shortly after the break when captain Edin Džeko was forced off through injury. Their hopes improved in the 64th minute when Balogun was shown a red card following a VAR review for a late challenge on Tarik Muharemović, leaving the USA to play the final stages with 10 men.
Despite their numerical advantage, Bosnia struggled to create clear chances against a disciplined American defence. Christian Pulisic had a goal ruled out for offside before Malik Tillman sealed the victory with an excellent free-kick from 20 yards that slipped past goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj.
Bosnia pushed forward late on but could not find a way back into the match, as the USA comfortably held on to secure their place in the last 16.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side will now face Belgium in Seattle, while Bosnia’s first-ever World Cup knockout appearance comes to an end.
