Team USA Advances Past Bosnia, Sets Up World Cup Showdown With Belgium

Team USA kept its FIFA World Cup hopes alive Wednesday night with a composed 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32, earning the Americans their first knockout-stage win since 2002.

Goals from Folarin Balogun and Malik Tillman sent Mauricio Pochettino’s squad into the Round of 16, where a familiar opponent now awaits: Belgium.

Balogun opened the scoring just before halftime with his third goal of the tournament after latching onto a through ball from Tillman. The match took a dramatic turn midway through the second half when Balogun received a controversial red card, forcing the Americans to play the final half-hour with 10 men.

Rather than retreating, the Americans remained organized defensively before Tillman sealed the victory with a spectacular free kick in the 82nd minute.

The victory sends the United States into a Round of 16 matchup against Belgium on Monday in Seattle. The Belgians rallied from a two-goal deficit to defeat Senegal 3-2 after extra time, setting up a rematch of the memorable 2014 World Cup Round of 16 that Belgium won. Team USA, however, will be without Balogun after his red card triggered an automatic suspension.

Team USA-Bosnia and Herzegovina Recap

• United States 2, Bosnia and Herzegovina 0
  • Team USA earned its first World Cup knockout win since 2002 and advanced to face Belgium in the Round of 16.
  • Key moments: Folarin Balogun opened the scoring just before halftime, Malik Tillman added a late free-kick goal, and the U.S. defense protected the lead after Balogun was sent off in the second half.
  • Matt Turner and the back line delivered a clean sheet, giving the Americans momentum despite entering the Belgium match without Balogun.

Team USA vs. Belgium Preview

The United States will face one of Europe’s most talented squads with a place in the quarterfinals at stake.

Game Details

• Match: United States vs. Belgium
• Round: Round of 16
• Date: Monday, July 6
• Location: Seattle
• TV: FOX
• What’s at stake: Winner advances to the World Cup quarterfinals.

Belgium enters with stars including Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, while Team USA will lean heavily on Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams and Malik Tillman.

Replacing Balogun’s production up front will be one of Pochettino’s biggest challenges after the striker scored three goals before his suspension.

Other Results From Wednesday

Wednesday completed another busy day in the Round of 32.

• England 2, DR Congo 1 – Harry Kane scored twice as England avoided an upset and advanced to face Mexico.
• Belgium 3, Senegal 2 (AET) – Belgium rallied from two goals down to earn an extra-time victory.
• United States 2, Bosnia and Herzegovina 0 – The Americans advanced despite playing the final 25 minutes with 10 men.

Thursday’s Round of 32 Schedule

Three more nations will attempt to reach the Round of 16. Here’s a look at those matchups with representative sportsbook betting odds.

Spain vs. Austria

• Time: 3 p.m. ET
• TV: FOX
• Representative Odds: Spain -260 | Draw +350 | Austria +700
• Key Players: Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Álvaro Morata (Spain); Marcel Sabitzer, Konrad Laimer (Austria)
• What to Watch: Spain looks to regain championship momentum after an inconsistent group stage against an Austrian side capable of springing an upset.

Portugal vs. Croatia

• Time: 7 p.m. ET
• TV: FOX
• Representative Odds: Portugal -180 | Draw +300 | Croatia +475
• Key Players: Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leão (Portugal); Joško Gvardiol, Luka Sučić (Croatia)
• What to Watch: Portugal’s experienced attack faces one of the tournament’s most disciplined defensive teams.

Switzerland vs. Algeria

• Time: 11 p.m. ET
• TV: FOX
• Representative Odds: Switzerland -145 | Draw +260 | Algeria +425
• Key Players: Granit Xhaka, Dan Ndoye (Switzerland); Riyad Mahrez, Amine Gouiri (Algeria)
• What to Watch: Switzerland aims to continue its steady tournament form while Algeria seeks another upset after advancing from Group J.

Betting Outlook

The United States shortened slightly on World Cup futures betting following Wednesday’s victory, although sportsbooks like DraftKings and FanDuel still view Belgium as a slight favorite in the Round of 16.

France and Argentina remain at the top of most outright boards, while Brazil, England and Spain continue to attract significant betting support.

Updated World Cup Championship Odds

With Germany and the Netherlands already eliminated, the futures market has become considerably more open. A victory over Belgium would likely move Team USA into the group of legitimate title contenders heading into the quarterfinals, particularly with home support continuing throughout the knockout stage.