By William Espy

United States’ Folarin Balogun (20) scores their first goal against Bosnia goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj (1) during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between the United States and Bosnia in Santa Clara, Calif., near San Francisco, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

By William Espy

USA’s Folariin Balogun scores in the 45th minute and Mark Tillman 82nd as USA advances to the 16th round defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina National Team on Thu Jul 1, 2026.

The United States Men’s National Team were back in the Bay Area on Wednesday, as they played the Bosnia and Herzegovina National Team in Santa Clara in a Round of 32 matchup.

Folarin Balogun nearly gave the United States an early lead, but the goal was called offside by the narrowest of margins. He wouldn’t be denied for long though, as right before the halftime break, Balogun scored, and this time the goal was reflected on the scoreboard.

As a result, the Americans carried a 1-0 lead into halftime.

Things certainly wouldn’t be easy for the United States in the second half though, as their goalscorer Balogun was shown a controversial red card for accidentally stepping on an opponent’s ankle in the 64th minute. Due to the red card, the Americans would be down a player for the final 26 minutes of the night.

Despite momentum being heavily in Bosnia’s favor for the majority of the remaining game, Malik Tillman scored a beautiful goal off of a free kick to give the United States a 2-0 lead in the 82nd minute.

The Americans held on to secure their victory, their first win in the knockout round since 2002. The United States will be back in action on Monday when they face off against Belgium in Seattle.