Co-hosts USA beat Bosnia-Herzegovina to reach World Cup last 16

The United States men's national team secured a 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday in California, booking their spot in the World Cup round of 16. This marks the co-hosts' first knockout-stage win in nearly a quarter-century and only their second ever. They will face Belgium in Seattle on Monday.

Folarin Balogun broke the deadlock just before halftime. Captain Tim Ream intercepted a Bosnian goal kick and played the ball to Malik Tillman, whose through ball deflected to Balogun, who slotted it under the goalkeeper. In the 64th minute, Balogun was shown a straight red card after a VAR review for apparently stamping on Tarik Muharemovic's foot. Despite being down to 10 men, the U.S. held on.

Malik Tillman curled in a free kick in the 82nd minute to double the lead, securing the win. The Americans weathered a nervy 10 minutes of stoppage time, with substitute Ermin Mahmic's shot flashing just wide of the far post. Goalkeeper Matt Freese made key saves earlier, denying Ermedin Demirovic and dealing with a dangerous corner from Kerim Alajbegovic.

Bosnia had early chances, but the U.S. grew into the game. Balogun had a penalty shout waved away and a goal disallowed for offside. Tyler Adams nearly set up a second before halftime, but Balogun's shot hit the crossbar. In the second half, Bosnian captain Edin Dzeko limped off, and coach Sergej Barbarez made three substitutions, including Wisconsin-born Esmir Bajraktarevic, who increased the pressure. However, the U.S. defense, marshaled by Tim Ream, held firm.

Coach Mauricio Pochettino used a hydration break to rally his team, urging them to hold out. The crowd of some 30 million American viewers watched as the U.S. secured a historic clean sheet and a place in the last 16, with chants of "USA" and "Take Me Home, Country Roads" echoing through the stadium.