United States 2-0 Bosnia-Herzegovina: Balogun strikes then sees red, Tillman free kick seals last-16 spot
The United States survived a second-half red card to beat Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara and reach the World Cup round of 16. Folarin Balogun had an earlier effort ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock in first-half stoppage time, pouncing on a loose ball after a deflection wrong-footed the Bosnian defense and slotting past goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj.
Balogun's night ended early when he was shown a straight red card in the 64th minute following a VAR review for a dangerous, studs-up challenge on defender Tarik Muharemović, leaving the hosts to see out the closing stages a man down.
Down to ten men, the US held firm defensively and doubled their lead in the 82nd minute. Stjepan Radeljić was booked for fouling Sergiño Dest just outside the penalty area, and Malik Tillman curled the resulting free kick around the wall and inside the near post, with the goalkeeper getting a hand to it but unable to keep it out. The result sends the co-hosts through to face Belgium in Seattle in the round of 16, though they will be without their leading scorer Balogun after his dismissal.
Key moments
- •Balogun had a first-half goal ruled out for offside in the 30th minute
- •Balogun broke the deadlock in first-half stoppage time (45+1'), pouncing on a loose ball to beat goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj
- •Balogun was sent off in the 64th minute for a dangerous challenge on Tarik Muharemović, confirmed by VAR review
- •Playing a man down, the US doubled their lead through Malik Tillman's curled free kick in the 82nd minute after Stjepan Radeljić fouled Sergiño Dest
- •The US advance to the round of 16 to face Belgium in Seattle, but will be without Balogun after his red card
Timeline
Match facts
- Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara
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- Referee: Raphael Claus (Brazil)
Match report generated from publicly available sources. Facts are drawn from the sources below.
- USA vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina Highlights: Latest World Cup News And Goals - FOX Sports
- USA vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina LIVE: World Cup 2026 latest updates, commentary, score, result - ESPN
- Hosts US reach World Cup last 16 after 2-0 win over Bosnia despite red card - VnExpress International
- Malik Tillman Scores For USA After Stjepan Radeljić Foul to Seal Game - Heavy.com