World Cup
A second-half free kick goal helped the US men’s team win the knockout round for the first time since 2002.
Malik Tillman celebrates his goal as the United States beats Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup knockout round. AP Photo/Martin Meissner
The United States men’s national soccer team qualified for the round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup on Wednesday, beating Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in San Francisco. The Americans now face Belgium on July 6 in Seattle.
Goals from Folarin Balogun and Malik Tillman were more than enough for the USA to secure their first knockout win in 24 years, even after Balogun’s blatant (and controversial) red card in the second half.
Here are the quick takeaways:
Bosnia and Herzegovina turns into a defensive formation, and the United States chooses continuity
After playing the group stage in a 4-4-2 formation, Bosnia and Herzegovina coach Sergei Barbarez changed to a 5-3-2 formation. It is worth noting that this means that former Revolutionary winger Esmir Bajraktarević was left on the bench.
The obvious truth from the first whistle was that the European side were intent on sitting deep in a tight defensive structure.
The Americans remained with the expected lineup, which was the same lineup that won the first round of the group stage 4-1 over Paraguay (Foxboro New Stars). Nominally 4-2-3-1, the game quickly switched to 3-4-2-1 as the USA gained possession, with Anthony Robinson slotted into a wing-back role and Alex Freeman assuming the third centre-back role.
Balogun scores two goals, the second one counts
After a predictably slow start to the night – given Bosnia and Herzegovina’s lineup – it was clear that the early winner was the underdog visitors. With the match initially stuck in stop-and-start mode (many players were stuck after tackles for long periods of time), it was difficult for the home team to match the fast pace they had set in previous matches.
In fact, American goalkeeper Matt Freese had to intervene early after a corner kick:
But Mauricio Pochettino’s side have slowly found answers to the problem posed by Bosnia and Herzegovina, putting pressure on their defence. This eventually led to a decent turnover, which Balogun immediately cleared. The problem, named after the incident, is that he started playing in an offside position:
However, the pattern has become established: if the USA team can regain possession high up the pitch, or hold the ball and then move the ball vertically in a few quick passes, they will be able to find a path towards goal.
And it was the latter’s form that led to Baljohn taking the lead in the 45th minute. It wasn’t the most elegant goal the USA had ever scored in a World Cup, but in a game against a packed defence, it was music to the Americans’ ears:
US is unable to add insurance
Even before halftime, the United States had a great opportunity to double its lead. With Bosnia and Herzegovina in a rare moment when holes in their defense appeared, Balogun received a perfect cross from Sergino Dest.
Unfortunately for the home team’s fans, his attempt bounced off the crossbar and over the goal:
When the second half began, Bosnia and Herzegovina made several changes, including the introduction of Bajrktarevic.
Their style shifted to a more aggressive one, trying to pressure the Americans to win the ball back. Although it created only a partial opening, it had the partially intended effect of nullifying any additional American shots in the first 20 minutes of the second half.
Balogun receives a controversial red card
In the latest refereeing controversy to emerge at the 2026 World Cup – a growing subplot – it was Balogun who was on the wrong end. After mounting a quick 50-50 challenge, replays eventually showed the American striker catching Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharimovic with his cleats.
After a VAR review, he received a red card:
It’s a tough call for Balogun, who clearly had no intention and was simply trying to tackle the opposition to win the ball. Since he had The drawn connection is undisputed In the box earlier in the match and not awarded a penalty, Balogun could justifiably feel the referee let him down on Wednesday. He will miss the next match as a result of his expulsion.
Tillman continues to make plays
The USA team was hard-pressed (quite literally) to create many chances in the immediate aftermath of Balogun’s dismissal.
However, the defense was able to hold on without giving up too many chances (although there were some nervous moments).
When the United States needed it, Tillman answered the call again. He’s had a completely underrated World Cup until Wednesday, but his 82nd-minute free-kick goal could be the moment the 24-year-old Bayer Leverkusen midfielder becomes a household name:
Even after his goal, Tillman continued to work tirelessly with the rest of the American midfielders to help secure the win.
A bit of history
With victory secured, the United States has officially secured a knockout stage victory in the men’s edition of the World Cup for the first time since beating Mexico 2-0 in the round of 16 in 2002.
This victory also marked the end of a 10-match losing streak against European competitors.
Next up for host United States will be another European team: Belgium. And this, as fans of the US team will no doubt have noticed, has the potential for some fun revenge. The United States was expelled from the tournament in 2014 in a dramatic match against Belgium. Twelve years later, an arguably more talented American team could return the favor.
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