Co-hosts United States men’s national soccer team secured a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 after a hard-fought 2-0 victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday. They were able to overcome a second half red card to win the first World Cup knockout stage win in more than 24 years and to have their place in the Round of 16 for the first time in the tournament.
The historic win in front of a passionate home crowd in the San Francisco Bay Area was just the second United States World Cup knockout stage win in the history of this country. The victory also set up a mouth-watering Round of 16 match against Belgium in Seattle.
The Americans came to the match with the history they were carrying. Their last World Cup knockout win was on June 17, 2002, when they defeated Mexico 2-0 at the Round of 16. More than two decades later, Mauricio Pochettino’s side made up for it with a resilient performance.
Bosnia had a solid start and almost made a breakthrough. Veteran captain Edin Džeko made a long pass and set up Ermedin Demirović, whose goal was easily saved by goalkeeper Matt Freese. Freese was called into action again seconds later to prevent a dangerous corner from crashing into the net.
With the first half under way the United States began to take control. Folarin Balogun tried unsuccessfully for a penalty after a challenge from Amar Dedić to win and another attempt was ruled out for offside after a clever pass by Weston McKennie.
The breakthrough finally arrived at half-time. Captain Tim Ream took a Bosnian goal kick and quickly found Malik Tillman. The midfielder’s through ball took a lucky deflection into Balogun’s path and the striker calmly slotted the ball underneath goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj to send home supporters into celebration.
The United States almost doubled their lead in the interval as Tyler Adams began another dangerous move. Sergiño Dest carried the ball back to Balogun, whose close-range shot was close to the crossbar.
Bosnia responded after the break by bringing in fresh attacking options after Džeko's injury, with coach Sergej Barbarez making a triple substitution. The changes immediately put pressure on the American defence.
The match took another dramatic turn in the 64th minute. Balogun was given a straight red card for stamping on defender Tarik Muharemović after VAR review. The hosts were down to 10 men and they had to defend with discipline.
Bosnia had a chance at the numerical advantage, but Demirović squandered their best chance when he took aim directly at Freese. During the hydration break, US head coach Mauricio Pochettino gathered his players into a tight huddle and told them to stay composed for the final.
Despite playing with a man down, the Americans secured victory in the 82nd minute. Dest took a free kick at the edge of the penalty area and Tillman curled a great shot over the wall and beyond Vasilj’s fingertips to make it 2-0.
Bosnia continued to push during 10 minutes of stoppage time, with substitute Ermin Mahmić going inches wide of the far post. But the United States held the clean sheet and had achieved one of the most important wins in the country's modern football history.
The final whistle brought jubilant celebrations as chants of “USA! USA!” rang out in the stadium and a song of “Take Me Home, Country Roads” played. The USA have high levels of confidence and home support with them going to the Round of 16 against Belgium now as they carry on their dream World Cup campaign on home soil.
