The United States secured a place in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday.
Folarin Balogun gave the hosts an early lead with his third goal of the tournament before being shown a straight red card for a challenge that caught a Bosnian defender on the ankle. The dismissal means he will miss the United States’ Round of 16 clash against Belgium in Seattle on July 6.
Despite being reduced to 10 men, the Americans doubled their advantage through Malik Tillman, who curled a free kick into the net to seal the victory.
The US progressed after winning their opening two group matches before concluding the group stage with a 3-2 defeat to Türkiye.
Ahead of the match, Bosnia and Herzegovina supporters voiced their support for Palestine, waving Palestinian flags alongside Bosnian flags and chanting “Palestina, Palestina.” Many Bosnian fans have expressed solidarity with Palestinians, citing similarities between the Palestinian experience and Bosnia’s own history of war, ethnic cleansing and displacement during the 1992-1995 Bosnian War.