Christian Pulisic's USA beat Bosnia 2-0 and qualified for the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. The victory comes after 90 minutes of domination: the Americans closed the group stage with three points and second place in the group, behind England. The first goal came in the 38th minute with a header by Folarin Balogun following a cross by Pulisic, who also provided the assist.
The second goal was scored in the 72nd minute by Giovanni Reyna, who took advantage of a Bosnian defensive error to tap into the net. Bosnia, already eliminated, ended the match with only two dangerous chances, both neutralized by US goalkeeper Matt Turner. Now the USA prepares to face Belgium in the round of 16.
A challenge that takes on a particular flavor because Belgium fields two players who play in the same club as Pulisic: Alexis Saelemaekers and Koni De Winter, both teammates of the American number 10 at Milan. Saelemaekers, right back, is a regular starter, while De Winter, central defender, has found space in recent games. The match promises to be physical and tactically balanced, with the USA ready to take advantage of Pulisic's speed and the defensive solidity of a team that has already demonstrated character.
The psychological aspect weighs heavily. For Pulisic, this match is not just a football match but a direct confrontation with former teammates. Saelemaekers and De Winter are well aware of his playing style, habits and weaknesses, which could force Pulisic into an extra dose of creativity to overcome their marking.
On the other hand, the presence of these two players on the opposing pitch could represent an advantage for the USA: knowing Milan's team dynamics could translate into a tactical advantage, especially in the pressing or transition phase. Belgium, despite being a high-level team, showed some defensive frailties during the group stage. The 2-0 defeat against Croatia highlighted problems with concentration and organisation, while the draw against Canada suggested a certain difficulty in managing the game when not in possession.
The USA, on the other hand, built their qualification on a solid defensive base, with only two goals conceded in three matches. This balance could prove decisive against a Belgian team that, although strong, does not yet appear to be at its best. The match against Belgium is not just a passing match, but a test of the maturity of US soccer.
The USA proved they can handle the pressure in a balanced group stage, but the round of 16 represents a leap in quality. Belgium, despite its uncertainties, remains a team with world-class players like Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, capable of changing a game at any moment. The Americans will have to rely on the physicality of Tyler Adams and the creativity of Weston McKennie to contain the Belgian talents, while Pulisic will have to find a way to overcome the tight marking of his former clubmates.
Mauricio Pochettino, USA coach, underlined his satisfaction with the qualification: "It is an important achievement for this team. " What to expect now: The USA will face Belgium in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. The match is scheduled for December 3, 2026 at 9:00 pm local time.
The challenge will be broadcast live on Sky Sport and streaming on NOW. US fans will also be able to follow the match on the federation's digital platforms. Read at MilanNews24
Why this matters
Pulisic leads the USA in a knockout phase against European-caliber opponents, with an eye on his Rossoneri teammates on the opposing pitch. The match against Belgium is not only a sporting question, but also a comparison between two footballing realities that are intertwined: the US national team and AC Milan. For Pulisic, this match represents the opportunity to demonstrate his worth even in a competition of this level, while Saelemaekers and De Winter will have the opportunity to compete with their former teammate in an international context. The outcome of this match could also influence the perception of US soccer in Europe, where the movement's growth is being watched with growing interest. The match is played in the wake of a historical rivalry between European and American football, but also of an increasingly intense dialogue between clubs and national teams, as demonstrated by the presence of players with double jerseys between MLS and European leagues.
Frequently asked
Who scored the goals for the USA against Bosnia?
Folarin Balogun in the 38th minute assisted by Christian Pulisic and Giovanni Reyna in the 72nd minute scored the two goals that sealed the USA's victory over Bosnia.
When will USA-Belgium play in the 2026 World Cup round of 16?
The match is scheduled for December 3, 2026 at 9:00 pm local time. The challenge will be broadcast live on Sky Sport and streaming on NOW.
Who are Saelemaekers and De Winter and why are they relevant to this challenge?
Alexis Saelemaekers and Koni De Winter are two AC Milan players who also play for the Belgian national team. Their presence on the opposing pitch makes the match against Belgium particularly interesting for Christian Pulisic, their former teammate.
What is the USA's path to the 2026 World Cup before the round of 16?
The USA finished the group stage with three points, second in the group behind England. They beat Bosnia 2-0, drew 1-1 against England and lost 0-2 to Senegal.
Who coaches the USA and what is their statement after qualifying?
Mauricio Pochettino is the manager of the USA. After qualifying for the round of 16, he said: "It's an important achievement for this team. We've worked hard and now we have to focus on Belgium, a top-level team with very experienced players."
What are Belgium's main defensive weaknesses that emerged in the group stage?
Belgium showed problems with concentration and organization in the 2-0 defeat against Croatia, while the draw against Canada highlighted difficulties in managing the game when not in possession.
