USA advance after gritty win over Bosnia

The United States reached the World Cup last 16 with a disciplined 2–0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Bay Area, overcoming Folarin Balogun’s second‑half dismissal. Bosnia threatened first, forcing Matt Freese into an early save, while the US had a goal ruled out when Balogun strayed offside after Weston McKennie’s high press created a turnover.

Balogun eventually broke through on the stroke of halftime, reacting sharply to a deflected ball and finishing through Nikola Vasilj’s legs. He nearly doubled the lead moments later, striking the crossbar from Sergiño Dest’s knockdown. Bosnia’s hopes dipped when Edin Džeko exited injured, but momentum briefly shifted after VAR sent off Balogun for a dangerous challenge.

Despite the setback, the US defended stubbornly and saw another Pulisic effort ruled out for offside. Their breakthrough arrived on seventy‑nine minutes, when Malik Tillman’s dipping free‑kick beat Vasilj. Bosnia pushed late, but the Americans held firm to secure a fourth consecutive Round of 16 appearance.