USMNT Survives Red Card to Reach Round of 16 Sport By lines July 2, 2026 USMNT reached the 2026 World Cup Round of 16 on July 1. The United States beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in the Round of 32. USMNT advanced despite a red card to striker Folarin Balogun. Mauricio Pochettino’s side finished the match with 10 men. Balogun Red Card Could Not Stop the United States Folarin Balogun opened the scoring for USMNT just before halftime. The goal was Balogun’s third of the 2026 World Cup. Referee Raphael Claus sent off Balogun in the 64th minute. A VAR review flagged Balogun for stepping on defender Tarik Muharemovic. Claus then reviewed the pitchside monitor and produced a red card. Malik Tillman scored a free kick to give USMNT a 2-0 lead. Tillman’s set piece landed after Balogun had left the field. The United States held Bosnia and Herzegovina scoreless across 90 minutes. USMNT defended nearly 30 minutes a man down and conceded zero goals. Balogun finished the tournament with 3 goals before the suspension. USMNT last won a World Cup knockout match back in 2002. The United States beat Mexico 2-0 in the 2002 Round of 16. That 2002 United States team then reached the World Cup quarterfinals. The 2026 win ended a 24-year knockout drought for USMNT. The Round of 32 is new to the expanded 48-team World Cup format. The United States entered the 2026 World Cup as a co-host nation. USMNT shared hosting duties with Canada and Mexico this summer. The Round of 32 win came in front of United States home fans. A deep run lifts soccer interest across the United States. USMNT will face Belgium in the Round of 16 on July 6. The match kicks off at 8 p.m. ET in Seattle. Folarin Balogun will miss the Belgium match due to the red card. USMNT cannot appeal the Balogun suspension under World Cup rules. Pochettino publicly disputed the red card decision after the final whistle. Mauricio Pochettino must replace Balogun’s finishing against Belgium on July 6. The United States scored just once after Balogun’s 64th-minute ejection. Malik Tillman gives USMNT another scoring threat from set pieces in Seattle. A win over Belgium would send USMNT to the World Cup quarterfinals. The United States last reached that stage in 2002. Related Sports Coverage USA vs Bosnia Odds and Prediction (2026) Belgium vs Senegal Odds and Prediction (2026) Mexico Downs Ecuador to End 40-Year Knockout Drought Sources: ESPN and Yahoo Sports reported the USMNT result and the Balogun red card. CBS Sports confirmed the Balogun suspension ahead of the Belgium match.
