USMNT Beats Bosnia in Historic Knockout Win

Mauricio Pochettino took over the United States men’s national team (USMNT) in August 2024 after a club career at Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Tottenham. His hiring was financed by a private group led by Scott Goodwin and hedge-fund billionaire Ken Griffin, whose $8 million donation helped cover Pochettino’s $6,040,600 annual salary. Under his guidance the USMNT posted a 17-1-11 record and topped Group D for the first time since 2010.

USA Today

On 1 July 2026 in Santa Clara, the USMNT beat Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0, its first World Cup knockout win since 2002. Forward Folarin Balogun scored in the 44th minute, his third tournament goal, then was sent off in the 64th for stepping on defender Tarik Muharemovic’s ankle. Malik Tillman’s free-kick after the dismissal sealed the win. VAR upheld the red card, so Balogun will miss the round-of-16 against Belgium.

USA Today

Pochettino praised his squad’s unity, calling the win “amazing” and noting the team’s “maturity.” He called Balogun’s dismissal “accidental” and said the side will advance. Bosnia coach Sergej Barbarez called the VAR decision “fair.” U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson said the hire adds a “culture carrier” to link the youth pipeline with the senior team.

Reuters

Analysts said the VAR review used slow-motion replays instead of point-of-contact evidence, breaching protocol. ESPN’s former referee Andy Davies warned that “VAR made their recommendation … which is not aligned with VAR protocols.” Pochettino’s high-pressing style also clashes with the United States’ entertainment-driven sports culture.

ESPN

The win bolsters the USMNT’s bid for “currency in the attention economy,” recalling the 1994 World Cup surge. Success is viewed as key to turn “bandwagon fans” into lasting supporters. The United States now prepares for a round-of-16 clash with Belgium on 6 July in Seattle. Without Balogun, Pochettino may use Ricardo Pepi, Haji Wright or Brenden Aaronson as striker.

Sports Illustrated

• “Never was this a red card. Watching it on TV, never was there intention to step (on) the player,” — Mauricio Pochettino, USMNT head coach

Reuters

• “It's not intentional; I can talk only for Balo. But for me, it's never a red card; for me, it's about intention, and the intention wasn't to damage the opponent. Your feet land, and the intention was never to damage the opponent... For me, it's never a red card.” — Mauricio Pochettino, USMNT head coach

CBS Sports

• “VAR made their recommendation to the referee based on slow-motion and still replays, which is not aligned with VAR protocols, as these should be used for only point-of-contact purposes in a red card tackle situation.” — Andy Davies, former Select Group referee (ESPN)

ESPN

• “’ ’’ Goodwin said Pochettino sent that clip to him and told him, “I’m crying.” — Scott Goodwin, co-founder of Diameter Capital Partners

New York Post