Christian Pulisic (1st L) of the United States vies with Sead Kolasinac (2nd L) of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the round of 32 match between the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in San Francisco, the United States, July 1, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua)

Chris Richards (front, L) of the United States vies with Ermedin Demirovic of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the round of 32 match between the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in San Francisco, the United States, July 1, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua)

The United States advanced to the round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday.

The result means all three co-host nations - the United States, Canada and Mexico - have reached the last 16 of the tournament.

The United States controlled much of the first half through high pressing and quick attacking play. Folarin Balogun thought he had scored in the 31st minute, but his close-range finish was ruled out for offside.

The breakthrough finally arrived just before halftime. Malik Tillman slipped a pass into the penalty area and, after a slight deflection, the ball fell to Balogun, who calmly slotted home to give the United States a 1-0 lead in the 45th minute.

Balogun nearly doubled the advantage in first-half stoppage time. Running onto a headed pass from Sergino Dest, the striker broke into the box but saw his effort hit the crossbar.

Bosnia and Herzegovina suffered a blow early in the second half when veteran forward Edin Dzeko was forced off injured in the 51st minute. The 40-year-old's departure further weakened the team's attacking threat.

The United States was reduced to 10 men in the 64th minute when Balogun was shown a straight red card following a VAR review for a serious foul.

Despite playing one man down, the United States remained in control. In the 82nd minute, Sergino Dest won a free kick just outside the penalty area, and Tillman fired home to double the lead and seal the victory.

The victory was only the second knockout-stage win in the U.S.'s World Cup history and also the country's first World Cup knockout victory over a European opponent.

The United States will face Belgium in the round of 16.