USA beat Bosnia 2-0 to reach World Cup Round of 16, Balogun…
USA edge past Bosnia, but Balogun red casts long shadow into Belgium clash
Historic Round of 16 spot secured in Seattle, yet the cost is steep: Folarin Balogun’s controversial dismissal strips the USMNT of their sharpest striker for the next tie.
The United States men’s national team booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 with a 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in Santa Clara on Sunday, but the breakthrough came with a bitter sting. Folarin Balogun opened the scoring in the 18th minute, finishing calmly after a quick counter left him one-on-one with the goalkeeper. The goal looked decisive until the 67th minute, when VAR intervened.
A second yellow card was awarded for an off-the-ball challenge that replays showed as a shoulder-to-shoulder contact—hardly the aggressive foul officials typically penalize with a red. Balogun trudged off, leaving his side a man down and manager Mauricio Pochettino staring at a tactical headache. Malik Tillman stepped into the breach late, curling a free-kick into the top corner in the 88th minute to double the lead and seal the win.
The goal was a statement: even without Balogun, the USMNT could finish the job. But the moment belonged to the VAR controversy, not the celebration. ” He refused to blame the officials outright but said the decision “changes everything” ahead of Wednesday’s clash with Belgium in Seattle.
” The VAR call fits a pattern. In the 2022 World Cup, the USMNT benefited from two penalty decisions that went their way, including the decisive spot-kick against Iran. Now, in 2026, they’re on the receiving end of a high-profile officiating call that could swing their tournament.
The inconsistency underscores how knockout football hinges on split-second decisions that can rewrite narratives overnight. For a team built on momentum, this VAR controversy injects a layer of unpredictability ahead of a clash with a Belgian side that thrives on tactical nuance. Balogun’s suspension isn’t just a personnel issue—it’s a psychological one.
The 23-year-old has been the USMNT’s most consistent attacking outlet, leading the team in shots and goal contributions this tournament. His absence forces Pochettino to reshuffle the attack, potentially shifting Christian Pulisic to a false nine role or asking Brenden Aaronson to play in channels he rarely occupies. The tactical pivot isn’t just about formation; it’s about identity.
The USMNT’s direct, counter-attacking style relies on Balogun’s pace to stretch defenses and create overloads. Without him, the team may need to slow the tempo, cede possession, and look for set-piece solutions—areas where Belgium excels. 7 years of age and includes Eden Hazard’s heir apparent, Johan Bakayoko, and a midfield trio of Kevin De Bruyne, Axel Witsel, and Amadou Onana.
Their ability to control games through possession and press high up the pitch makes them a nightmare for teams forced into defensive shells. The USMNT has historically struggled to close out tournaments against top-tier European opposition, and this suspension adds an unnecessary hurdle. While the 2-0 scoreline suggests dominance, the reality is a team walking a tightrope.
The co-hosts have the momentum, but they also have a target on their backs—and now, a hole in their lineup. Pochettino’s options are limited but not nonexistent. The manager could deploy Gio Reyna in a deeper role, allowing him to link play between midfield and attack.
Alternatively, Haji Wright, who has shown glimpses of quality in training, could earn a start. The key will be whether the USMNT can maintain their defensive structure while generating enough chances to threaten Belgium’s backline. The margin for error in knockout football is razor-thin, and the US just voluntarily shaved off a sliver of their attacking edge.
What’s next: The USMNT now face Belgium in a last-16 showdown in Seattle on Wednesday. Balogun’s suspension means Pochettino must reshuffle his attack without his most in-form striker, testing depth and creativity in a knockout environment. Read at Independent Sport
Why this matters
This is the USA’s first World Cup knockout-stage win since 2002. The milestone matters more than the margin. Yet the cost—Balogun’s suspension—reshapes the tactical deck before a potential quarterfinal berth. The balance between progress and penalty defines the co-hosts’ tournament so far. The VAR controversy and the tactical shift it forces expose the fragility of knockout football, where a single decision can redefine a team’s entire approach in 72 hours.
Frequently asked
Why was Folarin Balogun sent off against Bosnia?
VAR reviewed a second yellow card for an off-the-ball shoulder challenge in the 67th minute. Replays showed minimal contact, but FIFA’s laws allow retrospective punishment for reckless contact, even if it appears innocuous in real time.
Who scored the USA’s goals against Bosnia?
Balogun opened in the 18th minute, finishing a counterattack. Tillman scored the second in the 88th minute from a free-kick, sealing the 2-0 win.
When is the USA vs Belgium World Cup match?
The Round of 16 clash is scheduled for Wednesday at Lumen Field in Seattle, with kickoff at 14:00 PT / 17:00 ET.
How does Balogun’s suspension affect the USA’s tactics?
Balogun leads the team in shots and goal contributions this tournament. His absence forces Pochettino to rely on alternatives like Tillman, McKennie, or Pulisic, shifting the team’s pressing and finishing profile.
Has the USMNT ever beaten Belgium in a World Cup?
No. The sides have never met in the World Cup knockout stage. Belgium leads 2-0 in all competitive meetings, last winning 2-0 in a 2014 World Cup group game.
What are Belgium’s key strengths going into the USA match?
Belgium’s midfield control, led by Kevin De Bruyne, and their ability to press high up the pitch make them a tactical nightmare for teams forced into defensive shells. Their average squad age of 28.7 years suggests experience in high-pressure moments.
