Photo courtesy of Peoples Magazine.
The FIFA World Cup 2026™ has been underway for over a month and from upsets to loud celebrations, here’s where the U.S. teams stands in the tournament.
On July 1, the U.S. Men’s team squared off against Bosnia at the San Francisco Bay Stadium on what would be a 2-0 offensive showing, stamping their ticket for the round of 16 and securing their first knockout win in over 24 years.
The USA started the match with a 3-5-2 formation relying on striker Florian Balogun with the offensive load.
Bosnia had a strong defensive front until Balogun had an attempt on goal at the 15’ minute followed by a Malik Tillman corner at the 22’ minute.
At the 31′ minute, Balogun found the back of the net, but the goal was dismissed because it was offside.
Pressure built as both teams did not give an inch with Balogun attempting two more shots on goal in the 42’ and 45’ minute. Finally after several tries Balogun scores in extra time to end the half at 1-0 for USA.
Shortly after the second half started, the U.S pressured Bosnia with a Antonee Robinson, U.S. defender, corner kick where Bonsian goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj saved the ball. Bosnia tried to come back with an attempt on goal at the 56’ minute from Nikola Katic.
At the 64’ minute, Balogun received a red card as video assistant referee (VAR) confirmed that his attempt to fight for possession was seen as unsportsmanlike leaving the U.S. with 10 players on the pitch. The red card granted Balogun a one-game suspension for Monday’s round of 16 game against Belgium; however on Sunday, July 5, it was announced that his suspension had been removed after U.S. President Donald Trump called FIFA president Gianni Infantino to review the red card.
At the 80’ minute Bosnian player Stjepan Radelgic committed a foul, which the referee would book him with a yellow card and give the U.S. a free kick from outside the box.
Read our previous FIFA World Cup 2026™ coverage here!
Tillman shot the free kick over the Bosnian defensive wall curving top right, scraping the goalkeeper’s hand to score the goal brining the U.S. at 2-0. This was Tillman’s first World Cup goal.
Bosnia attempted to make adjustments to keep their World Cup hopes alive but ultimately were unable to create the momentum needed to overcome the 2-0 deficit sending the U.S. to the round of 16 and one step closer to the final.
USA will take their shot against European powerhouse Belgium on Monday, July 6 at 8 p.m. EST at the Seattle Field where they look to keep the dream alive.
If you want us to cover a specific topic related to the FIFA World Cup™, Tristan Benitez may be reached at [email protected].
