Despite having to shuffle around with just 10 players in their starting 11, the United States earned a spot in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a chip on its shoulder and secured a 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the group stage.
Mauricio Pochettino’s men were in control of the bulk of the game and produced a good World Cup effort, holding their opponents in check, despite playing at a disadvantage.
It took a breakthrough just before half time when Folarin Balogun scored in the 45th minute, on the back of the USA’s ability to exert domination in the opening minutes, creating the greater opportunities.
Bosnia and Herzegovina were on the counterattacks and needed to convert some opportunities to score, but found that challenge difficult.
The game changed course early in the second half when again Balogun’s opportunity to score and give his team the cushion rallied in a dramatic way, as he was shown a red card to reduce the United States to 10 men. But the Americans went into this calm and made a strong defense to hold back Bosnia from finding an equaliser.
But the USA wasn’t about to give up all of that as Malik Tillman hammered home a excellent free-kick on the bleeding end to double the lead once more and effectively finish it.
The win propels the United States over into the Round of 16 where they will face Belgium, who they are expected to face in a big knockout battle.
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Girls World Cup 2026 campaign ends with the bow of their set as they lost the match.