Hosts US reach World Cup last 16 after 2-0 win over Bosnia despite red card

The U.S. dominated possession for much of the first half but struggled to break down Bosnia's compact defense.

Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Balogun all threatened before Balogun had a goal ruled out for offside in the 30th minute.

The breakthrough came in first-half stoppage time. After Bosnia failed to clear a long ball, Balogun collected a loose pass, shifted onto his left foot and fired past goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj to give the hosts a 1-0 halftime lead.

Bosnia attempted to increase the pressure after the break, making three substitutions early in the second half as they searched for an equalizer.

The turning point came in the 64th minute when Balogun was shown a straight red card following a VAR review for a dangerous challenge on Tarik Muharemovic, leaving the U.S. to play the final half-hour with 10 men.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Americans remained organized defensively. Center back Chris Richards repeatedly cleared Bosnia's crosses, while goalkeeper Matt Freese dealt comfortably with the few efforts that reached his goal.

Bosnia enjoyed more possession after the sending-off but struggled to create clear-cut chances, with their best attempts coming from long-range efforts and crosses into the penalty area.

The U.S. effectively sealed the result in the 82nd minute when Malik Tillman curled a free kick inside the near post. Vasilj managed to get a hand to the ball but could not keep it out.

The hosts managed the closing stages comfortably despite 10 minutes of added time, with Bosnia unable to find a way back into the match.

The victory sends the United States into the round of 16, where they will face Belgium.

For Bosnia & Herzegovina, the defeat ended a memorable campaign that began with qualification through the playoffs and continued with a historic run to the knockout stage in their World Cup debut.