The United States men's national soccer team secured a spot in the round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Folarin Balogun opened the scoring in the 45th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error to slide the ball past Bosnian goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj.
>>> Germany’s Third Straight Early World Cup Exit: A Crisis of Identity
However, Balogun was sent off in the 64th minute after a video assistant referee review for a challenge on Tarik Muharemovic, leaving the US with 10 men.
Despite being a man down, Malik Tillman doubled the lead in the 82nd minute with a curling 20-yard free-kick over the defensive wall.
The match drew an attendance of 68,827 fans, according to Sky Sports, and the US defense held Bosnia to an expected goals rating of just 0.29.
>>> US Men Beat Bosnia and Herzegovina to Reach World Cup Knockout Stage
Sergiño Dest delivered a strong performance on the flank, completing 24 of 27 passes and generating one key pass, per Sofascore statistics.
Historic Knockout Stage Berth
This victory marks the first World Cup knockout stage win for the United States in 24 years.
>>> StubHub Cancels World Cup Tickets, Sparks Fan Outrage and Legal Complaint
The team will now face Belgium in the round of 16 in Seattle.
