The United States won their second ever knockout round game at the World Cup as they defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina in an interesting encounter in San Francisco.
The tournament co-hosts excelled in a dominant first half which saw Folarin Balogun have a goal chalked off as the US dominated possession and chances. It took until the stroke of half-time before the forward managed to guide his team ahead as the World Cup co-hosts went into the break ahead.
Bosnia made changes for the second half and found a way back into the match as Balogun was dismissed with a straight red card for a challenge on Tarik Muharemovic. It was perhaps a harsh call, but the US’s talisman had to depart.
With only 10-men, the US weathered a bit of pressure and even had a second goal disallowed before winning a free kick on the edge of the box. Malik Tillman lifted it over the wall and beat the goalkeeper to score a second goal and ease any concerns.
A strong performance from Mauricio Pochettio’s men sends them through to the last-16 and sets up a clash with Belgium.
Follow the reaction from the World Cup clash with our live blog below:
Read MoreThe lofty numbers behind America’s World Cup boom – but can US go where they’ve never gone before?
America’s World Cup test: Can a new generation finally rewrite the USMNT’s history of early exits?
USA vs Bosnia & Herzegovina LIVE
- REPORT: United States pass Bosnia World Cup test – but at what cost?
- 82' GOAL! Tillman drops in free kick shot to ease pressure [USA 2-0 BIH]
- 79' DISALLOWED! Pulisic scores but is offside in the build up [USA 1-0 BIH)
- 63’ RED CARD! Balogun’s badly timed challenge sees him sent off [USA 1-0 BIH]
- 45' GOAL! Balogun slots hosts into lead [USA 1-0 BIH]
- 32' DISALLOWED! Balogun scores but is offside [USA 0-0 BIH]
United States pass Bosnia World Cup test – but at what cost?
03:35 , Kieran Jackson at San Francisco Bay Arena StadiumA puff of the cheeks, a drop of the shoulders and a sumptuous dipper to seal the deal.
It may have been somewhat of a surprise when, eight minutes from time and 20 yards out, Christian Pulisic did not step up to take a free-kick just outside the Bosnia and Herzegovina penalty area.
But US midfielder Tyler Adams made a mockery of such thoughts and, with it, secured American progression to the last-16 of the World Cup 2026. Their World Cup.
US pass Bosnia World Cup test – but at what cost? Balogun red leaves sour taste
United States reach World Cup last-16
03:30 , Mike JonesCue the celebrations
Belgium await
03:24 , Mike JonesHaving made a sensational comeback against Senegal to progress 3-2 from the last-32, Belgium will now face the United States in the round of 16.
Usually the European nation would have the edge in such a contest but the Belgians have been scrambling through this tournament while the US are playing well.
It should be a thrilling game when the meet and the US will be confident of getting through it.
Can USA cause problems for Belgium?
03:20 , Mike JonesHere’s what Sue Smith said on BBC commentary: “I think they will.
“When you look at the players they've got, the creative players they have, that midfield area, the energy and intensity they play at... Belgium will have to play better than they did today.”
One rule for Messi, another for Balogun?
03:17 , Kieran Jackson at San Francisco Bay Arena StadiumFolarin Balogun was given a controversial red card after a VAR review in USA’s World Cup match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
US striker Balogun, who scored his side’s opener in the first-half, looked in a state of shock after receiving a red midway through the second-half.
One rule for Messi, another for Balogun? USA striker sees red at World Cup
Full-time! USA 2-0 Bosnia
03:11 , Mike Jones90+10 mins: A fine outing for the United States who cruise through the round of 32 and get the celebrations going.
A fine performance saw them dominate from start to finish with only Balogun’s red card a blip.
USA 2-0 Bosnia
03:03 , Mike Jones90+5 mins: Five minutes of added time left to play.
There’s been no threat from Bosnia-Herzegovina.
The US are cruising into the next round.
USA 2-0 Bosnia
02:59 , Mike Jones90+3 mins: USA send the ball out to McKennie on the right and he holds it up to keep possession for the hosts.
There’s a bit of time taken out of the game and the minutes tick by.
Bosnia are heading for the plane.
USA 2-0 Bosnia
02:57 , Mike Jones90 mins: There’s 10 minutes of stoppage time to play before this match is done.
USA 2-0 Bosnia
02:55 , Mike Jones88 mins: There’s no way back for Bosnia now. Two goals it too big a deficit for them to recover.
The US have put in a professional performance, they’ve taken their chances and limited Bosnia’s threat.
GOAL! USA 2-0 Bosnia (Malik Tillman, 82')
02:49 , Mike JonesThat should be that!
Malik Tillman sets himself for a free kick just outside the box for the US. He lifts it over the wall and places it just outside the goalkeeper’s reach!
USA get their second goal and it’s a big one in the context of this match.
USA 1-0 Bosnia
02:46 , Mike Jones79 mins: No goal!
McKennie runs into the box and flicks the ball on to Tillman who chests it down and shoots.
The shot is blocked but comes to Pulisic who pokes it slowly into the back of the net.
The celebrations don’t even start this time as the offside flag goes up.
USA 1-0 Bosnia
02:44 , Mike Jones77 mins: Sead Kolasinac and Nikola Katic have been taken off for Bosnia with Haris Tabakovic and Amar Memic replacing them.
More fresh legs for the US to deal with.
USA 1-0 Bosnia
02:42 , Mike Jones76 mins: The red card might actually be a good thing for the USA, at least in the short term context of this game.
They’re now on the back foot as they will be against the stronger teams later in the competition.
If they can keep Bosnia at bay and progress they’ll take a lot of confidence into the last-16.
USA 1-0 Bosnia
02:40 , Mike Jones73 mins: This is a good stat.
Folarin Balogun is the first player to score a goal and receive a red card in a World Cup knockout game since Zinedine Zidane for France against Italy in the 2006 Final.
Mauricio Pochettino won’t think so. He’s pacing the touchline and taking an more hands on approach for the time being.
USA 1-0 Bosnia
02:38 , Mike Jones70 mins: 20 minutes to go and this match is suddenly alive for the US.
They’re going to have to do a lot of defending as Bosnia attempt to get back into this one.
With a man advantage it’s suddenly on for the European team. Can they find an equaliser?
USA 1-0 Bosnia
02:34 , Mike Jones67 mins: USA can feel a little aggrieved as that red card has come from a tangle of legs. There was no malice from Balogun but the replays make the challenge look really bad.
Can the US hold out with 10-men?
Balogun off
02:31 , Kieran JacksonAn absolute state of shock - and some anger amongst American journalists - in the press box as Balogun is sent-off for that mix-up of legs with Tarik Muharemović.
For me, it’s a ridiculous call. The freeze frame shows a scrape down the calf but it was simply a tangling of legs. VAR intervened though and Brazilian referee Raphael Claus gave the red card.
He looks shocked, we all are. Bosnia have suddenly got themselves a lifeline...
USA 1-0 Bosnia
02:31 , Mike Jones63 mins: Wow!
USA’s talisman, Folarin Balogun has been shown a red card.
The referee is sent over to the monitor after a challenge on Tarik Muharemovic. He comes down the back of the defender’s legs and lands on his ankle.
It’s a bad one for Muharemovic and after review, Balogun is sent off!
USA 1-0 Bosnia
02:27 , Mike Jones58 mins: Those changes from Bosnia also look like they’ve brought a change in formation.
The Europeans have switch to a back four which should open up more scope to get forward.
USA 1-0 Bosnia
02:22 , Mike Jones55 mins: Edin Dzeko looks in a bit of bother and is hobblinh around.
He’s clinging onto his thigh and might need to head off.
Yes, it’s a triple change too. Ivan Sunjic, Armin Gigovic and Dzeko are replaced with Esmir Bajraktarevic, Ermin Mahmic and Benjamin Tahirovic.
Can Bosnia bounce back?
02:20 , Kieran Jackson in Santa ClaraSo, what have you got Bosnia?
It’ll feel a little unnatural for the Eastern Europeans to bomb on out of their shape, but as the half progresses, they may well need to.
They can take some solace from the knowledge that they’ve been here before: they were 1-0 down to both Wales and Italy before finding a way back. Can they do so a third time?
USA 1-0 Bosnia
02:18 , Mike Jones51 mins: Is there a way back into this match for Bosnia?
They haven’t had a shot since the one in the first half and even that is their only one of the game.
It’s been a timid performance from then so something needs to change.
USA 1-0 Bosnia
02:14 , Mike Jones48 mins: Pulisic gets forward on the left and lifts a cross into the box.
Dest makes his way into the far side of the area and is the target but a defender head leaps highest and touches it out for a corner.
Second half! USA 1-0 Bosnia
02:11 , Mike JonesThe United States kick off the second half in Santa Clara.
They have control of the last-32 tie but can they close out the game and progress?
First-half burst from the US
01:58 , Kieran Jackson in Santa ClaraBosnia would have been pretty satisfied with that half - until the 45th minute mark.
Folarin Balogun is the man again for the USA, putting them in front and, really, he should have had a second after slicing onto the crossbar.
The US dominant. Half-time has come at the perfect time for the eastern Europeans.
Half-time! USA 1-0 Bosnia
01:55 , Mike Jones45+10 mins: Added time comes and goes and the USA take their lead into the break.
It’s been a fine 45 minutes from Mauricio Pochettino’s men who have the advantage in this game.
As things stand they’re joining fellow co-hosts Mexico and Canada in the last-16.
GOAL! USA 1-0 Bosnia (Folarin Balogun, 45')
01:45 , Mike JonesHuge!
The USA deserve to be in front and have dominated from the get go.
Balogun makes a run into the box as Tillman looks to pick him out.
There’s a deflection off the nearest defenders and it drops to the striker who guides it into the net with ease.
USA 0-0 Bosnia
01:42 , Mike Jones42 mins: A free kick for the US over to the right of the box is lifted in towards the near post by Pulisic.
Malik Tillman is the target but he can’t turn the ball towards goal.
USA 0-0 Bosnia
01:38 , Mike Jones38 mins: Balogun looks lively at the top of the pitch and has a decent partner in Pulisic.
They’re combining well to find the spaces but the final pass is what’s lacking.
USA 0-0 Bosnia
01:34 , Mike Jones35 mins: The US will feel buoyed by that effort from Balogun even though it was ruled out.
It shows they have the quality to break down Bosnia and they just need to remain patient.
USA 0-0 Bosnia
01:32 , Mike Jones32 mins: No goal!
A fine move from the US sees a well placed pass threaded into the feet of Folarin Balogun.
He spins into the box and slips a shot into the back of the net.
The US start to celebrate but the offside flag goes up and it’s ruled out!
USA 0-0 Bosnia
01:30 , Mike Jones30 mins: Balogun goes down in the penalty area and the initial reaction is that he’s trying to buy a penalty.
There’s a bit of contact from Amar Dedic but Balogun didn’t need to drop.
It’s a waste of a decent position.
Honours even at first water break
01:27 , Kieran Jackson in Santa ClaraThe now customary jeers greet the first water break and the state of play after 23 minutes? Even stevens, I would say.
The hosts have certainly not had it all their own way and, on the odd occasion they’ve found space in the final-third, have been strangely wasteful.
USA 0-0 Bosnia
01:26 , Mike Jones25 mins: Following a hyrdation break, Bosnia get the ball back in play.
The try to get some space over on the right wing but they don’t want to overcommit.
They’re happy with how things are going at the minute.
USA 0-0 Bosnia
01:22 , Mike Jones21 mins: Bosnia have had a good run through qualifying and in the group stage.
There is something about them in this campaign and they’ll be aiming to get as far as they can.
The European team have only had a couple of chances but they’ve restricted the US quite well so far.
USA 0-0 Bosnia
01:18 , Mike Jones18 mins: Close!
Weston McKennie darts into space on the right side and receives a lovely pass.
He whips in a cross which Nikola Vasilj pushes onto the head of Robinson.
The US right-back doesn’t know what’s happening as the ball hits his forehead and flies over the crossbar.
USA 0-0 Bosnia
01:15 , Mike Jones15 mins: USA win a free kick on the right side of the pitch but the delivery is poor.
The US recycle the ball out to Antonee Robinson on the right.
He pulls a pass into the box and finds Balogun who shoots but sends the ball wide.
USA 0-0 Bosnia
01:11 , Mike Jones12 mins: Ooof!
A long ball comes up to Edin Dzeko who brings it down and flicks it across to Ermedin Demirovic.
He fires a shot at goal but Matt Freese is on hand to palm it over the top.
A decent opportunity for Bosnia there. From the resultant corner, Freese is on hand again to slap at the ball and he manages to get it away.
USA 0-0 Bosnia
01:09 , Mike Jones9 mins: The US are controlling play with Bosnia sitting deep and trusting their defence to keep out the World Cup co-hosts.
USA are strong in the wide areas but Bosnia have a back five and are limiting the space for the wingers to work in.
USA 0-0 Bosnia
01:07 , Mike Jones6 mins: Hello!
An early sight of goal for Pulisic who dances inside from the left and takes a shot which is blocked at the edge of the box.
The ball goes out for a corner to the US but it comes to nothing.
USA 0-0 Bosnia
01:03 , Mike Jones3 mins: The US defend to corner without too much trouble.
The ball comes out to Christian Pulisic who looks to get forward but loses possession near the halfway line.
Kick off! USA 0-0 Bosnia
01:00 , Mike JonesBosnia get the game underway and work the ball over to the right before pinging it long.
They win themselves a corner.
"USA, USA"
Thursday 2 July 2026 00:58 , Kieran Jackson in Santa ClaraEven behind these ‘sound-proof’ glass protectors, the chants of “USA, USA” before and after the national anthem pierced through the walls.
70,000 in this mighty fine San Francisco Bay Area Stadium. And they’re ready for a show.
USA v Bosnia-Herzegovina
Thursday 2 July 2026 00:55 , Mike JonesThe players come out onto the pitch and the national anthems are sung.
This match should be a fascinating encounter and the US are the favourites to advance to the next round.
Can they get through? We’re about to find out...
Pochettino on Bosnia-Herzegovina
Thursday 2 July 2026 00:50 , Mike JonesThe USMNT’s manager, Mauricio Pochettino, spoke about tonight’s opponents.
He said: "Bosnia and Herzegovina are a very combative, aggressive and physical team, but they are also well organised and have a very good coach.
"When you watch their group-stage matches or their qualifier against Italy in March, you can see they have quality.
“It’s not just that they are aggressive and well organised; they have quality players and a coach who gives them the platform to perform."
USA's star man?
Thursday 2 July 2026 00:40 , Mike JonesFolarin Balogun scored twice against Paraguay and caused the own-goal that gave USA the lead against Australia.
He could join Bert Patenaude (four goals in 1930) and Landon Donovan (three in 2010) as the only players to score at least three goals in a single edition of the finals.
A bad sign for US
Thursday 2 July 2026 00:30 , Mike JonesUSA have won just one of their last 21 World Cup meetings with Uefa nations (D7 L13).
They are winless in their last 13 (D6 L7) since a 3-2 victory over Portugal in 2002.
USA v Bosnia-Herzegovina
Thursday 2 July 2026 00:20 , Mike JonesThis will be the fourth meeting between USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the Stars and Stripes unbeaten in the first three (W2 D1), all in friendlies from 2013 to 2021.
America’s World Cup test: Can a new generation finally rewrite the USMNT’s history of early exits?
Thursday 2 July 2026 00:11 , Harry Latham-CoyleIs today the day that the USMNT write a different World Cup knockout story?
Can a new generation finally rewrite the USMNT’s history of early World Cup exits?
Belgium await in last-16
Thursday 2 July 2026 00:07 , Kieran Jackson in Santa ClaraA huge crowd gathered around a TV screen in the concourse - escaping the sun in the process - to watch on as Belgium confirmed their spot in the last-16 via a last-minute penalty.
Who will join them in Seattle next Monday?
The lofty numbers behind America’s World Cup boom – but can US go where they’ve never gone before?
Thursday 2 July 2026 00:01 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe World Cup has been great fun for the United States so far, with the team playing well and a real feel of tournament fever spreading through the nation. Kieran Jackson details the numbers behind the boom and asks if it can continue:
The numbers behind America’s World Cup boom – but how far can US team go?
Bosnia-Herzegovina starting line-up
Wednesday 1 July 2026 23:55 , Mike JonesBosnia XI: Vasilj; Muharemovic, Kolasinac, Dedic, Katic, Radeljic; Gigovic, Sunjic; Demirovic, Dzeko, Alabegovic
USA team to face Bosnia
Wednesday 1 July 2026 23:54 , Mike JonesUSA XI: Freese; Dest, Richards, Robinson, Ream, Freeman; Adams, McKennie, Tillman; Pulisic, Balogun
Team news on the way...
Wednesday 1 July 2026 23:37 , Harry Latham-CoyleRight, we should have teams for you very shortly. Will Christian Pulisic start?
Mauricio Pochettino full of respect for Bosnia and Herzegovina
Wednesday 1 July 2026 23:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleMauricio Pochettino is wary of the threat that Bosnia and Herzegovina will pose as the United States target a place in the round of 16.
"They deserve that respect," `he said. "You can see that they have quality, not only that they are aggressive and have good organisation. They have players with quality and a coach that provides the platform to perform.”
Fifa quietly scrubbed logos off World Cup stadiums – so one brand turned the cover-up into a marketing campaign
Wednesday 1 July 2026 23:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe marketing team at Levi’s have had a good tournament. Lawrence Ostlere explains how the brand seized their opportunity after their logo was scrubbed off the side of the stadium:
Fifa scrubbed logos off World Cup stadiums – so one brand has got creative
About today's venue
Wednesday 1 July 2026 23:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleThis is the final match of the tournament at the ground normally known as Levi’s Stadium, with the 71,000 capacity arena soon to be back in the possession of the San Francisco 49ers. It’s a lovely spot.
USA ready for penalties...if required
Wednesday 1 July 2026 22:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe United States have been practicing their penalties in training this week, just in case they are required later.
"We've been doing a lot of work on penalties. I won't go into that," defender Tim Ream said with a chuckle earlier in the week.
"That's something that we've been working on throughout the week together, even before the tournament started, so that's taken care of really. We know that, especially in the knockouts, one mistake on a set play can send you home. So we're fully focused on all aspects and all phases of the game."
Bosnia shrug off slights from co-hosts
Wednesday 1 July 2026 22:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleBosnia coach Sergej Barbarez has shrugged off American slights against his team, saying they need no extra motivation for their World Cup round-of-32 clash against the United States.
Former USA goalkeeper Tim Howard said on a podcast that the Bosnians were in for a brutal reality check at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on Wednesday, while a network reporter mocked the nation on live TV before later apologising.
Barbarez said the hot takes were inevitable in the social media age and had no effect on the team.
"I have to admit things`like that happen on a daily basis," he told reporters on Tuesday. "We are a small country and sometimes things like that happen, but I have no problem with it. My boys don't have a problem with it ... You're playing for a place in the round of 16. If that's not motivation enough, then I don't really notice things like that."
Mauricio Pochettino: Bosnia knockout match is ‘final of the World Cup’ for USA team
Wednesday 1 July 2026 22:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleUnited States coach Mauricio Pochettino has cautioned against labelling his side as favourites for their upcoming World Cup round-of-32 clash against Bosnia, citing a string of recent upsets that have rocked the tournament.
Mauricio Pochettino: Bosnia knockout match is ‘final of the World Cup’ for USA team
Could The USA Really WIN The World Cup?
Wednesday 1 July 2026 22:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleAdam Clery, meanwhile, is having fun at The Independent’s New York base – in his latest ACFC video, he asks the question if the US could really win the World Cup.
Copa Independent
Wednesday 1 July 2026 21:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleHave you been listening to Copa Independent, our World Cup podcast? Well, if not, there’s no time like the knockout stages to get your audio fix as our writers in the United States give you all of latest insight from the tournament. You can find the latest episode wherever you get your podcasts – or here.
HAVE YOUR SAY: Who will win the World Cup?
Wednesday 1 July 2026 21:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleWorld Cup 2026 fixtures, latest results and full tournament bracket
Wednesday 1 July 2026 21:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleHere’s a reminder of all of the results so far in the knockout round, and the full tournament bracket.
World Cup 2026 knockout fixtures, results and full tournament bracket
Belgium vs Senegal kicks off
Wednesday 1 July 2026 21:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe winner of this tie will take on either Belgium or Senegal in the next round – and the action in Seattle is about to get underway:
Belgium vs Senegal LIVE: Team news and latest updates from World Cup clash
The unique World Cup club that illuminates Edin Dzeko’s enduring quality
Wednesday 1 July 2026 20:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe enduring class of Edin Dzeko provides a large part of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s threat. Before the tournament, Richard Jolly profiled a 40-year-old striker still causing trouble:
The unique World Cup club that illuminates Edin Dzeko’s enduring quality
How Bosnia and Herzegovina got here
Wednesday 1 July 2026 20:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt was one of each for Bosnia and Herzegovina in the group stages, with a horror show against Switzerland quickly cast aside as they beat Qatar to seal progress.
Bosnia and Herzegovina 1-1 Canada
Bosnia and Herzegovina 1-4 Switzerland
Bosnia and Herzegovina 3-1 Qatar
Christian Pulisic set to start
Wednesday 1 July 2026 20:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleChristian Pulisic has declared himself fully fit and good to go in a significant boost for the United States ahead of their round of 32 tie. “I feel ready,” the forward said when asked if he was able to get through 90 or 120 minutes after injury.
The strange Mauricio Pochettino outburst that is cause for concern for USA ahead of World Cup knockouts
Wednesday 1 July 2026 20:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleMauricio Pochettino was in a strange mood afterwards, mind, insisting his team weren’t getting the credit they deserved for topping the group.
The Pochettino outburst that is cause for concern for USA before World Cup knockouts
USA undone by late Turkish sucker-punch but nippy Pulisic cameo maintains momentum
Wednesday 1 July 2026 20:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleKieran Jackson was at that Turkey game – and still felt relatively encouraged about the United States despite their defeat, particularly with Christian Pulisic featuring off the bench.
USA undone by late Turkish sucker-punch but nippy Pulisic cameo maintains momentum
How the United States got here
Wednesday 1 July 2026 20:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe United States topped Group D, assuring themselves of that spot with strong wins over Paraguay and Australia and thus able to rest a few players in their final game against Turkey.
USA 4-1 Paraguay
USA 2-0 Australia
USA 2-3 Turkey
America’s World Cup test: Can a new generation finally rewrite the USMNT’s history of early exits?
Wednesday 1 July 2026 19:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe United States’ history at World Cups suggests that disaster may be around the corner, mind. Will things be different in 2026?
Can a new generation finally rewrite the USMNT’s history of early World Cup exits?
The lofty numbers behind America’s World Cup boom – but can US go where they’ve never gone before?
Wednesday 1 July 2026 19:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe World Cup has been great fun for the United States so far, with the team playing well and a real feel of tournament fever spreading through the nation. Kieran Jackson details the numbers behind the boom and asks if it can continue:
The numbers behind America’s World Cup boom – but how far can US team go?
USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
Wednesday 1 July 2026 17:16 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe United States are eyeing just a second World Cup knockout win in their history as they take on Bosnia and Herzegovina in Santa Clara. Having topped their group, hope is growing that Mauricio Pochettino’s men can go deeper into this tournament – but their opponents today will pose a tricky test.
Kick off is at 1am BST (8pm ET/5pm PT).
