Ten Men U.S. Men’s National Team Defeats Bosnia, Heads for Round of 16

By Daniel Feuerstein | Santa Clara, CA | July 1st, 2026

A big test for the U.S. Men’s National Team as they were prepared to face Bosnia & Herzegovina in their first-ever Round of 32 knockout match. A physical side that will low-block you at their net and find that one moment during a counterattack or a free kick to take the lead. This U.S. Men’s National Team matched their physicality and played a smart game, and when they were able to take advantage, they scored timely goals to take the lead and played smart defensively as they advanced to the Round of 16 by defeating Bosnia by the final score of two goals to nil.

Folarin Balogun gets a favorable bounce and scores late

Bosnian goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj distributed the ball down the pitch at the center circle, but it was taken by the USA to set up another attacking run. The ball was taken down by Tim Ream, and he sent the ball down the pitch toward Malik Tillman; then he made a quick pass toward Folarin Balogun. The ball was originally deflected by the Bosnian defender, then Balogun quickly positioned himself to get behind it while surrounded by two defenders and quickly shot it past Vasilj through his legs and into the back of the net for the lead inside the 45th minute.

Balogun sent off after a VAR review

The USA were looking for another goal, but instead lost a man the rest of the way. Balogun was running against Tarik Muharemovic when Muharemovic cut in front of Balogun as both men were trying to get the ball. Both went down hurting, then VAR saw something on review and called in Referee Raphael Claus to the monitor. On the replay, it showed Balogun using his right boot and the studs catching the back of Muharemovic’s right leg, dragging it down and catching his ankle. In the 64th minute, Balogun saw the Red Card and was sent off for the rest of the match and will miss the Round of 16 match.

Free kick blast from Tillman

After Bosnian head coach Sergei Barbarez was booked for dissent, Stjepan Radeljic grabbed Sergino Dest from his waist and was also booked for the foul. The USA was given a free kick just a foot outside the Bosnian area. Both Malik Tillman and Antonee Robinson were discussing who should take the free kick while the Bosnians were setting up the wall to prepare for the shot. When the referee blew his whistle, Tillman stepped up and powered his shot inside the near post, and while Vasilj did get his hand on the ball, it wasn’t enough to keep it out as the USA took the two-goal lead in the 82nd minute.

A big win and moving on to the next round

For the first time in ten games, the U.S. Men’s National Team finally earned a win against a European opponent. The losses were racking up before facing Bosnia & Herzegovina, and to see them frustrate their opponents was a great plan from head coach Mauricio Pochettino. His tactics and game plan were executed well, and now the U.S. Men’s National Team will have a tougher test as they will face Belgium in the Round of 16 as they head back to Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington. A bigger challenge for Pochettino is who will replace the suspended Balogun on the roster. We shall find out soon.

The U.S. Men’s National Team defeats Bosnia & Herzegovina while down to ten men in their Round of 32 match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Bad Dawg Sports will be there for every minute—sharp, direct, and on the ground as the Red Bulls continue with their youth movement as they take on anyone from Major League Soccer. Subscribe today for just $2 per year.