Balogun Scores Before Controversial Red Card as Tillman’s Free-Kick Sends USA Into World Cup 2026 Last 16 Against Belgium
According to Outlook India, the United States booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 with a resilient 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in Santa Clara on Wednesday.
The Americans had not won a knockout stage game at a World Cup since 2002; a 24-year wait that finally ended at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium.
Folarin Balogun scored his third goal of the tournament, calmly finishing just before halftime to give the co-hosts a deserved lead. The match turned dramatically when Balogun received a controversial VAR-reviewed red card that, according to ESPN’s former referee analysis, should never have been issued, leaving the USA to defend with 10 men for the final 26 minutes.
Bosnia dominated possession but created nothing of substance against a disciplined American backline. Malik Tillman then sealed the victory in the 82nd minute with a stunning direct free-kick that beat goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj.
Pochettino’s side now advance to face Belgium in the Round of 16, though they will be without the suspended Balogun; their tournament’s most clinical finisher. Replacing him is the defining selection challenge of this World Cup run.
Check out our previous coverage of FIFA World Cup 2026 here.
