The United States has reserved its place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 in dramatic fashion as Malik Tillman produced a sensational free-kick to seal a 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina after Folarin Balogun’s controversial red card had threatened to derail the hosts’ campaign.With the Americans reduced to 10 men and Bosnia pushing for an equalizer, Tillman’s moment of brilliance settled the contest and sparked wild celebrations at Levi’s Stadium.
Tillman’s incredible strike seals a historic victory
The USA looked in complete control after Balogun scored his third goal of the tournament just before halftime. However, the momentum changed dramatically in the 64th minute when the striker was shown a straight red card following a VAR review after catching Tarik Muharemovic on the ankle.Forced to play the final half hour with 10 men, the hosts came under increasing pressure before Tillman delivered the decisive blow in the 82nd minute.Standing on a free kick just outside the penalty area, the midfielder curled a superb effort over the wall. The Bosnian goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj was able to get a hand on the ball, but could only help in the net as the stadium erupted.Watch the goal here:Amazingly, Tillman had changed his right boot shortly before taking the set-piece after struggling with a bleeding toe.“You never know when it’s going to happen. Today, it happened,” Tillman said after scoring the USA’s first direct free-kick goal in a World Cup since Eric Wynalda against Switzerland in 1994.
Pulisic hails fighting spirit after red card drama
Captain Christian Pulisic praised the team’s resilience after surviving nearly 30 minutes down a man.“We had to dig deep for that one. It didn’t exactly go to plan with the red card, but that just shows what a good team we are. We said in the hydration break, you know, this is what it takes to be a really strong team. And, we were able to do it,” said Pulisic after the match.Coach Mauricio Pochettino, meanwhile, disagreed with Balogun’s dismissal, saying: “For me? Never a red card.”Balogun will now miss the round of 16 against Belgium through suspension, but Tillman believes the squad has enough depth to cope.“For sure, he’s a great player. We have great players who can replace him, and give the best they can, and hopefully some good goals as well,” Tillman said.The win gave the United States just their second men’s World Cup knockout win and snapped a 10-match unbeaten run against European opposition at the tournament. They will now face Belgium in Seattle on July 6, with a quarter-final spot at stake.
