First Half Action
The United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) is currently leading Bosnia and Herzegovina 1-0 in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 match. The game is being held at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Folarin Balogun scored the opening goal for the U.S. just before halftime, breaking the deadlock after a period of sustained pressure.
Earlier in the half, Balogun had a goal disallowed for offside. Despite this, his active play and positioning consistently challenged Bosnia’s defense. The U.S. midfield also applied significant pressure, leading to the opportunity that resulted in Balogun’s goal. The goal came after Bosnia’s defense made two uncertain touches, allowing Balogun to sweep the ball into the net.
The first half saw some heated exchanges between players from both sides. Following a challenge involving Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams, a Bosnia player was seen in pain. Adams himself required treatment after a 50-50 clash but was able to continue playing. The U.S. team had one shot on target in the first half, which resulted in the goal, while Bosnia also managed one shot on target.
Lineup and Player Notes
For this crucial knockout match, head coach Mauricio Pochettino made 10 changes to the starting lineup compared to the previous match against Türkiye. This marks a new USMNT World Cup record for changes. Weston McKennie was the only player to retain his starting position from the previous game, as Pochettino opted for the same lineup that secured a 4-1 victory against Paraguay in the group stage on June 12 in Los Angeles.
The starting XI features a blend of experienced players and younger talent. Christian Pulisic returned to the lineup, making his third appearance and second start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Tim Ream is captaining the USMNT for the 32nd time, which places him sixth on the all-time list of USMNT captains. Ream is also making his 85th appearance for the national team, tying him with Frankie Hejduk and Bruce Murray for 23rd on the all-time caps list.
Weston McKennie is making his eighth consecutive World Cup start, joining a select group of USMNT players who have achieved this milestone, including Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, Brian McBride, Michael Bradley, and Tim Howard. Sergiño Dest also made his eighth career World Cup appearance, tying him with Marcelo Balboa, Michael Bradley, Tim Howard, and Eric Wynalda for 10th on the USMNT‘s all-time World Cup caps list.
The starting lineup’s average age is 27 years and 146 days, with an average of 48 caps overall and 27 caps in official competitions. Alex Freeman, at 21 years old, became the ninth player under the age of 22 to start for the USMNT in a World Cup Knockout Round match. Other young players who have achieved this include James Brown, Billy Gonsalves, Bert Patenaude, Ed Czerkiewicz, Landon Donovan, Jozy Altidore, Jesús Ferreira, and Yunus Musah.
Six players in the current lineup also started the USA‘s last World Cup Knockout Round match against the Netherlands in the Round of 16 on December 3, 2022, in Qatar. These players are Tyler Adams, Sergiño Dest, Weston McKennie, Christian Pulisic, Tim Ream, and Antonee Robinson. Mark McKenzie and Cristian Roldan were not available for the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Looking Ahead
The winner of this match will advance to face Belgium in Seattle, following Belgium‘s victory over Senegal. The USMNT‘s performance in the first half, particularly Folarin Balogun‘s goal, puts them in a strong position to progress in the tournament. The match is being broadcast on FOX, Telemundo, and Peacock, with radio coverage provided by Fútbol de Primera.
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Source: ussoccer.com
