Thrills and relief. Co-hosts the United States secured their ticket to the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium. A hard-fought win, marred by the expulsion of star striker Folarin Balogun in the second half. From the opening minutes, Team USA set the pace. Driven by immense fervor and a red-white-and-blue crowd, Mauricio Pochettino's men imposed a high tempo. The wings were very active and the midfield, led by Weston McKennie, pressed high. Facing them, Bosnia and Herzegovina presented a very compact, deep defensive block that was difficult to break down. American attacks multiplied, but poor finishing and decisive saves from the opposing goalkeeper delayed the breakthrough for long. It took until the end of the first half to unlock the situation. At the 45th minute, on a perfect through ball from Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun was perfectly positioned in the box. The Monaco striker did not hesitate and delivered his team with a precise cross-shot, finally converting his team's territorial dominance just before halftime. 1-0. After the break, the script changed at the 64th minute. Guilty of a dangerous gesture, sole of his boot forward on a Bosnian defender, the match's only goalscorer Folarin Balogun saw the referee brandish a direct red card after a lengthy VAR review. A major turning point. Reduced to ten men against eleven, the Americans entered a long period of turbulence. Bosnia and Herzegovina threw all their forces into battle, multiplying crosses, long-range shots and chances in the box. Pushed to the brink, the United States held firm. The defense, solidly grouped around an imperious Matt Turner, bent but never broke. As suspense reached its peak and the Bosnians pushed for an equalizer, deliverance came from a moment of individual brilliance at the 82nd minute. Following a foul near the box, Malik Tillman seized the ball. The PSV midfielder unleashed a magnificent direct free kick into the top corner. 2-0. A splendid goal that definitively ended European hopes of a comeback. Thanks to this logical but intense victory, the United States continue their World Cup dream at home. They will face Belgium in the round of 16. However, the American coach will have to manage without Balogun, suspended for this crucial next match.