The United States Men’s National Team has earned a Round of 16 berth after defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in a FIFA World Cup Round of 32 match on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
Team USMNT after being reduced to 10 players when American forward Folarin Balogun was shown a red card in the early moments of the second half following VAR review.
Malik Tillman added another goal with a stunning free kick after Balogun left to close out the game with a clean sheet.
USMNT boss Mauricio Pochettino calls the referees to a post-match press conference.
He said: “Having seen it on TV, it was never intended for a player to step on it, it’s a normal act in football that happens by accident.”
Pochettino revealed what Balogun said afterwards in the dressing room about the VAR decision as “sad” and “disappointed”.
“It’s never intentional. It’s never a red card,” the USMNT manager added.
Pochettino’s remarks highlight growing frustration in the USMNT camp as several key decisions went against the USA throughout the campaign.
Balogun has hit the ball three times so far in this World Cup run.
Will Balogun play round of 16 against Belgium?
According to FIFA rules, a player receiving a red card results in a one-match ban, ruling Balogun out of the Round of 16 against Belgium.
The AS Monaco forward has become the fifth American to receive a red card at the World Cup.
Balogun also won the title for scoring a goal and leaving a World Cup knockout match since French legend Zinedine Zidane was red-carded for a header in the 2006 final.
