USA Beat Bosnia 2-0 to Reach World Cup Last 16 Despite Balogun Red Card, Belgium Edge Senegal 3-2 in Extra Time
The United States booked their place in the World Cup last 16 with a 2‑0 victory over Bosnia‑Herzegovina in Santa Clara, even though they finished the match with ten men after Folarin Balogun received a second‑half red card.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side dominated from the opening whistle and took the lead when Balogun pounced on a deflected Malik Tillman pass, sliding the ball past goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj.
Shortly after the hour mark, Balogun’s night turned sour; his studs caught Tarik Muharemovic on the calf during a challenge, prompting the referee to show him a straight red.
Bosnia struggled to create chances and, despite the numerical advantage after Balogun’s dismissal, could not turn the tide. The United States sealed the win late when Tillman curled a superb free‑kick into the net, making the result safe.
The Americans will now face Belgium in Seattle on Monday, July 6, for a quarter‑final berth.
Earlier, Belgium produced one of the tournament’s most dramatic comebacks, overturning a two‑goal deficit to defeat Senegal 3‑2 after extra time and secure their own last‑16 spot.
Rudi Garcia’s side appeared headed for elimination after Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr put Senegal ahead 2‑0. With minutes remaining, substitute Romelu Lukaku sparked hope by flicking home a Thomas Meunier cross, and captain Youri Tielemans headed in Leandro Trossard’s delivery in the 89th minute after goalkeeper Mory Diaw failed to deal with the cross.
The match was not without controversy; Tielemans and Trossard were involved in a heated exchange before the second‑half hydration break, with Lukaku stepping in to calm the situation.
Belgium completed the turnaround in the 125th minute after a lengthy VAR review awarded a penalty for Lamine Camara’s challenge on Tielemans. The Aston Villa midfielder kept his composure and drilled the spot‑kick into the top corner to seal a remarkable victory.
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