USMNT reach Round of 16 in 2026 FIFA World Cup after emphatic win over Bosnia on day four of the Round of 32

After an opening few moments of both teams settling into a rhythm, the USMNT started to really mount the pressure offensively, but what people didn't perhaps expect was a very front-footed Bosnian side ready to fight fire with fire.

General view inside the stadium before the match

Pedro Nunes

World Cup Round of 32  - USA vs Bosnia & Herzegovina

Edin Dzeko is no stranger to shining in big moments, and he almost stole the spotlight again for Bosnia. A long goal kick for the away side found its way into dangerous territory and resulted in the veteran sending a thunderbolt warning shot in the direction of Matt Freese, who then parried a corner kick out of the air to end the attack. Warning shots were fired; this wasn't going to be a walkover.

Balogun sent a shot just past the post a few minutes later, and while it wasn't on target, it was clear that the USMNT's latest starboy was eager to warm into the affair. But that moment ignited the home team. Weston McKennie burst into the box and whipped a cross into an unaware Anfernee Robinson, who was unable to get the ball on target, but it was a real sign of tempo that swung momentum back in favor of the US.

From there, the Stars & Stripes certainly took the reins going into the first hydration break, dominating possession with 77% and completing 90% of their passes, but that warning shot from Dzeko was still ringing in the ears of many.

Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Round of 32 - United States v Bosnia and Herzegovina - San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, Santa Clara, California, U.S. - July 1, 2026.Folarin Balogun of the U.S. celebrates scoring their first goal with Sergino Dest as Bosnia and Herzegovina's Kerim Alajbegovic looks dejected REUTERS/Carlos Barria

Carlos Barria

But in the 30th minute, the ears of fans in San Francisco were ringing for a different reason, as Folarin Balogun found the back of the net with a tidy finish before breaking out the LeBron James celebration. A beautiful goal only to be wiped off the board due to an offside call, and naturally, the reaction was extremely loud.

On the edge of halftime, the LeBron celly was hit once again by Balogun, and this time the goal stood. The US dominated possession for all of the first half and finally found a way past the stout Bosnian backline. Balogun picked up a deflected pass on the edge of the box, curling a gently placed shot around Vasilj to give the US the lead at a crucial time, enhancing their hopes of qualifying for the next stage.

Balogun almost doubled that lead in stoppage time, but the half ended 1-0. Bosnia needed to go into the second half with a more 'desperate' mentality and veer away from their low-block if they had any chance of winning, but in hostile territory, it was always going to be easier said than done.

Malik Tillman of the U.S. scores their second goal past Bosnia and Herzegovina's Nikola Vasilj

DARREN YAMASHITA

The second half started much as the first ended, but as with most games in this tournament, there was a twist. Folarin Balogun was red-carded after a meaty challenge. Was it red-card worthy? That will be debated for many moons to come, but regardless, the US would be without its talisman for the rest of the game, and a man down as Bosnia looked to mount a previously very difficult comeback. 

Surprisingly, the sending off didn't seem to change much. Bosnia struggled to move the ball out of their own half thanks to a rampant high press, and as tensions mounted, so did the volatility of the game.

A little big of magic in the 78th minute from Tillman gave Christian Pulisic a chance to put the game beyond doubt, only for the US to have another goal wiped off the board for offside. 12 minutes remained, and the game was as wide open as it ever had been despite what the possession stats at that point may have suggested.

Malik Tillman of the U.S. celebrates scoring their second goal.

Carlos Barria

But then, minutes later, down to 10 men, the US finally found the second goal they were looking for. It was the lively Malik Tillman who stepped up to a free kick on the edge of the box, and just like he does for Bayer Leverkusen, he slotted it into the net with ease. After a game of endless chances being created thanks to his finesse, he and the team were rewarded with a goal that would seal the deal and send them into the Round of 16. 

From here, the USMNT will prepare for a clash against Belgium on Monday. A win there would see them into the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002. Dare to dream?

Day 5 of the Round of 32