The United States men’s national soccer team is heading to the Round of 16, defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina, 2-0, on Wednesday night in Santa Clara, California. It’s just the second time in Team USA history that they won in the knockout stages.Their only other came in 2002 when they beat Mexico, 2-0, in the Round of 16.Now, the USMNT will head back to Seattle to face Belgium, who came back from a 2-0 deficit against Senegal in the second half to win in extra time, in the Round of 16. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMUnited States' Folarin Balogun celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the World Cup Round of 32 soccer match between the United States and Bosnia in Santa Clara, Calif., near San Francisco, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Eakin Howard)Usually, when the USMNT enters the knockout stage in the World Cup, they’re considered the underdogs, hoping to be scrappy to force an upset.
This time around, in an expanded tournament format that begins with a Round of 32, the country on home soil was the overwhelming favorites. Their play proved why, even in the face of adversity in the second half. It was an inauspicious start for the USMNT after Bosnia and Herzegovina secured a couple corner kicks, and goalkeeper Matt Freese, who hasn’t really been challenged much in this World Cup, had to scramble to save one that was destined for the back of the net if he didn’t punch it away. USA WORLD CUP STAR FOLARIN BALOGUN RECEIVES CONTROVERSIAL RED CARD DURING ROUND OF 32 MATCHFrom there, though, the USMNT got to work in the first half, and controlled the match.It seemed like it was only a matter of time before they scored, and Falorin Balogun, who has had a tremendous tournament in terms of goal scoring, did he striker job when he received a pass on a turnover and put it in the back of the net in the 29th minute. However, the sideline referee threw his flag in the air – offsides.
Video replay showed Balogun was clearly off, ...