USA beats Bosnia and advances to the 1/8th where they will face Belgium

2026-07-02 08:51:59Sport SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX

USA beats Bosnia and advances to the 1/8th where they will face Belgium

Just a few days before the celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the Independence of the United States, the American national team has given its fans another reason to celebrate.

Mauricio Pochettino's team defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 at Levi's Stadium and secured qualification for the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, where they will face Belgium.

Bosnia started the match better and created the first dangerous chance in the 10th minute, but goalkeeper Matt Freese stopped Ermedin Demirović's shot. The Americans then took control of the game and found the net in the 30th minute through Folarin Balogun, but the goal was disallowed for offside.

The US forward made no mistake moments before the break. In the extra minutes of the first half, after a ball was deflected twice, Balogun scored between Nikola Vasilj's legs, scoring his third goal of this World Cup and giving the home team the advantage.

At the start of the second half, Bosnia lost captain Edin Džeko to injury, while in the 64th minute VAR intervened and Balogun was sent off for a dangerous challenge on Tarik Muharemović, leaving the USA with 10 men.

Despite the numerical advantage, Bosnia failed to capitalize. In the 79th minute, Christian Pulisic scored, but the goal was disallowed for offside.

Just a few minutes later, Malik Tillman sealed the victory with a spectacular free kick from about 20 meters, with goalkeeper Vasilj touching the ball but unable to stop it.

Bosnia had a good opportunity at the end with Ermin Mahmić, but failed to change the fate of the match.

The USA successfully managed the advantage despite being one player down and secured qualification to the round of 16, where they will face Belgium.

Result:
USA 2-0 Bosnia-Herzegovina
Balogun 45', Tillman 82'
Red card: Balogun (64')


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