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U.S. Wins 2-0, Balogun Sent Off, Clean Sheet

7/2/2026

36 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The United States beat Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0 in the round of 32.
Malik Tillman’s curling free-kick in the 82nd minute gave the U.S. a two-goal cushion.
Folarin Balogun received a red card, triggering a one-game suspension.
Coach Mauricio Pochettino praised the squad’s composure after playing with ten men for 35 minutes.
Players said the win restored confidence and produced the tournament’s first clean sheet since the group stage.

History

Historical Context

The United States earned its first World Cup knockout victory in 2002, beating Mexico 2-0 with goals from Brian McBride and Landon Donovan. Building on that breakthrough, the team captured the 2024 CONCACAF Nations League title with a 2-0 win over Mexico and, in the 2026 World Cup round of 32, repeated the 2-0 margin against Bosnia-Herzegovina. These results underscore the team’s continued success.

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Story summary

The United States beat Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0 in the round of 32.
Malik Tillman’s curling free-kick in the 82nd minute gave the U.S. a two-goal cushion.
Folarin Balogun received a red card, triggering a one-game suspension.
Coach Mauricio Pochettino praised the squad’s composure after playing with ten men for 35 minutes.
Players said the win restored confidence and produced the tournament’s first clean sheet since the group stage.

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