NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
U.S. men’s national team star Folarin Balogun thought he had gotten the Americans on the board against Bosnia-Herzegovina in their World Cup match on Wednesday earlier than he did.
The first shot that Balogun put into the back of the net was called back for offside. On the next occasion he would not be refused.
FOX ONE’S NEW WORLD CUP WATCHING EXPERIENCE
USA’s Folarin Balogun celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the World Cup Round of 32 soccer match between the USA and Bosnia in Santa Clara, Calif., near San Francisco, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
As the break approached, Balogun found a gap in the Bosnian defense and received a nice pass from Malik Tillman. Balogun made the most of his opportunity and scored. Balogun paid tribute to LeBron James and celebrated with the NBA star’s “muffler”.
The USA led 1-0 at the half and was just 45 minutes away from advancing to the Round of 16.
Balogun has three goals in the tournament so far.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON Pakinomist
USA’s Folarin Balogun (20) celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the World Cup Round of 16 soccer match between USA and Bosnia in Santa Clara, Calif., near San Francisco, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (Associated Press)
The U.S. came in with some momentum, even though they lost their final group game against Turkey last week. Balogun spoke about the mindset the team had going into the Round of 32 match.
“The game is going to be about us and what we are prepared to do and what we have to do to move forward,” Balogun said. “It’s crunch time. This is the business end and this is the stage where I think the big players step up and the big players carry the pressure and make things happen.”
Folarin Balogun of USA, Amar Dedic of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the World Cup match between USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on July 1, 2026 in San Francisco Bay Area USA. (Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pakinomist APP
The USA reached the semi-finals of the first World Cup in 1930, winning their group. Their only knockout win came in the 2002 tournament when they beat Mexico in the Round of 16. The tournament expanded to 48 nations this year, meaning an extra knockout stage.
