World Cup: Balogun Scores, Sees Red as US Beat Bosnia 2-0

Folarin Balogun experienced a dramatic evening as he scored and was later sent off during the United States’ 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The victory secured the co-hosts’ place in the last 16, where they will face Belgium in Seattle on Monday.

It also marked the United States’ first World Cup knockout victory in almost 25 years and only the second in the nation’s history.

Bosnia started brightly and created the better opportunities in the opening stages.

Veteran captain Edin Dzeko set up Ermedin Demirovic with an early chance, but goalkeeper Matt Freese produced an important save before denying another effort from a dangerous corner.

The United States gradually grew into the contest, with Balogun first denied by an offside flag after converting Weston McKennie’s pass.

The breakthrough eventually arrived in first-half stoppage time.

Captain Tim Ream intercepted a Bosnian goal kick before Malik Tillman released Balogun through the middle.

After benefiting from a slight deflection, the striker calmly slotted the ball beneath goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj to send the home supporters into celebration.

Balogun almost doubled the advantage moments later, but his close-range effort struck the crossbar.

Bosnia introduced fresh attacking options after halftime following Dzeko’s departure through injury, increasing the pressure on the American defence.

The match took another twist in the 64th minute when Balogun was shown a straight red card after a Video Assistant Referee review concluded that he had stamped on the back of Tarik Muharemovic’s foot.

Reduced to ten men, the United States came under sustained pressure as Bosnia searched for an equaliser.

However, Demirovic failed to capitalise on a clear opportunity after shooting directly at Freese.

United States coach Mauricio Pochettino used the hydration break to reorganise his team, urging his players to remain disciplined despite their numerical disadvantage.

The hosts sealed victory in the 82nd minute when Tillman curled a superb free-kick beyond Vasilj after Sergino Dest had been fouled on the edge of the penalty area.

Bosnia pressed during ten minutes of added time but could not find a breakthrough as the Americans held on for a memorable clean-sheet victory and continued their World Cup campaign on home soil.