USA advances to World Cup Round of 16 after 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina

The United States men's national soccer team is advancing to the Round of 16 in the 2026 World Cup, securing a 2-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina in a match played in San Francisco. The win, however, came with a challenge as the US team played with 10 men for more than 30 minutes after Folarin Balogun, who scored the opening goal in the 45th minute, received a red card in the 62nd minute.

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In my opinion, it was never a red card. I saw the replay on TV. There was no intention to step on the player, it was a normal play, without intention. You don't give a red card for that. I think, lately, no borderline decision has gone our way.

Malik Tillman sealed the victory with a second goal in the 82nd minute. Coach Mauricio Pochettino contested the red card, stating it was a normal play without malicious intent and that close calls had not been going their way recently. The qualification means all three host nations have reached the knockout stage, maintaining high local interest.

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I am 200% Argentinian, I feel 200% Argentinian, but when you are part of something great, like what we are building, I enjoy it.

This victory is significant for the American team, being their first in a World Cup knockout phase in 24 years, dating back to their win against Mexico in the 2002 Round of 16. Coach Pochettino, despite being 200% Argentinian, expressed joy in being part of the team's development and even sang along with the team to John Denver's "Take Me Home, Country Roads."

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When that song plays, it's impossible not to sing along with it, because it's an incredible song. But I am 200% Argentinian, I'm sorry, I won't lie.

Bosnia-Herzegovina, who will face Romania in the Nations League, struggled to equalize even when having a numerical advantage. Their coach, Sergej Barbarez, expressed pride in his players' effort, acknowledging that mistakes at this level are immediately punished. He stated that the team gave their all and should celebrate the result, maintaining a positive outlook.

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We started the match well, I had a good feeling about it. The game was under control and we had possession, but then we made a mistake and conceded a goal. At this level, you are punished immediately.