The USMNT played its 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina at Levi’s Stadium this Wednesday, July 1. The United States finished first in Group D of the competition and had a relatively accessible matchup in the first knockout stage round.

Bosnia finished third in Group B of the tournament, behind Canada and Switzerland. The host nation was the heavy favorite in this game, especially with the home-field advantage.

There were no surprises in Mauricio Pochettino’s lineup, with a strong attacking line led by Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun.

The USMNT held 62 percent possession in the first half, but it almost finished the first half with no goals. However, Folarin Balogun came away with the first goal of the game in the 45th minute.

Malik Tillman sent a pass into the penalty area that was deflected and landed at Balogun’s feet. The AS Monaco striker struck the ball with a cool and composed finish to give the home team the lead, and went on to honor LeBron James with his celebration.

The second half turned out to be very distinct from the first half, especially with a significant moment in the 64th minute. Balogun was shown a direct red card after a foul on Bosnia’s Tarik Muharemovic.

The young forward had played a vital role in this match, and his absence was felt for a few minutes in this match. Bosnia pressed, but failed to ever take full advantage of the red card.

The United States had to defend the slim lead, but also never fully stopped attacking and did come away with a second goal in the 82nd minute. Malik Tillman came up big again and scored off a direct free kick to secure the victory and put the game to bed.

Before this goal, there was no assurance and no room for any slight miscue, given the man-advantage for Bosnia. The game ended 2-0, and now the USMNT will face Belgium in the round of 16.

Belgium defeated  Senegal 3-2 in their respective round of 32 clash. The Red Devils were down 2-0 by the 85th minute, but went on to tie the game 2-2 in regulation time with goals by Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans.

Tielemans struck again in extra time with a goal from the penalty spot just before the end of the additional periods. The game was moments away from being decided in a penalty shootout, but instead was decided by a single penalty.

Belgium defeated the U.S. 5-2 in a friendly match back in March and is set to be a much tougher opponent than any team Pochettino’s side has faced in this tournament. The task will be especially challenging without Folarin Balogun, who leads the team with three goals scored.

Francisco Velasco

Francisco, 28, Chula Vista/Tijuana. I have been a Padres fan all my life, did most of the series previews and recaps in the Padres’ 2016 season for EVT. Now I focus more on the local soccer scene. Tijuana Xolos, San Diego FC, San Diego Wave. I have covered Liga MX, MLS, Mexico National Team, USWNT, Copa América and European clubs like Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund.