{"id":383144,"date":"2026-07-02T04:42:37","date_gmt":"2026-07-02T04:42:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/383144\/"},"modified":"2026-07-02T04:42:37","modified_gmt":"2026-07-02T04:42:37","slug":"u-s-defeats-bosnia-despite-red-card-advances-at-world-cup","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/383144\/","title":{"rendered":"U.S. defeats Bosnia despite red card, advances at World Cup"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"post-headline my-0 font-cms-font-brand-heading font-bold text-2xl-1 leading-7.5\"> U.S. advances to round of 16 with thrilling win over Bosnia-Herzegovina despite red card <\/p>\n<p>                 <img class=\"image\" alt=\"U.S. midfielders Sebastian Berhalter and Weston McKennie sings &quot;Country Road&quot; along with fans.\"   width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1782967334_641_.jpeg\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>         <\/p>\n<p>U.S. midfielders Sebastian Berhalter and Weston McKennie sings \u201cCountry Road\u201d along with fans after defeating Bosnia-Herzegovina during a World Cup match at Levi\u2019s Stadium on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<p>(Robert Gauthier\/Los Angeles Times)<\/p>\n<p>SANTA CLARA, Calif.\u00a0\u2014\u00a0<a class=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/sports\/soccer\/story\/2026-06-15\/folarin-balogun-world-cup-usmnt-eligible-paraguay\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Folarin Balogun<\/a> was still learning to walk the last time the U.S. won a knockout round game in a World Cup. On Wednesday, he helped lead the Americans to another with his goal in the waning seconds of the first half, sparking a <a class=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fifa.com\/en\/match-centre\/match\/17\/285023\/289287\/400021524\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">2-0 win<\/a> over Bosnia and Herzegovina that sends the team on to the round of 16 of this summer\u2019s tournament.<\/p>\n<p>The other goal came from Malik Tillman in the 82nd minute. The Americans have scored multiple goals in every game of the tournament for the first time ever, also setting a national record with 10 goals overall in the tournament.<\/p>\n<p class=\"post-headline my-0 font-cms-font-brand-heading font-bold text-2xl-1 leading-7.5\"> U.S. survives stoppage team, holds on for win over Bosnia <\/p>\n<p>                 <img class=\"image\" alt=\"U.S. forward Christian Pulisic claps toward fans as he leaves a World Cup match against Bosnia-Herzegovina.\"   width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1782967335_111_.jpeg\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>         <\/p>\n<p>U.S. forward Christian Pulisic claps toward fans as he leaves a World Cup match against Bosnia-Herzegovina at Levi\u2019s Stadium on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<p>(Robert Gauthier\/Los Angeles Times)<\/p>\n<p>U.S. 2, Bosnia-Herzegovina 0, final<\/p>\n<p>It wasn\u2019t easy, but the U.S. held on for a win over Bosnia.<\/p>\n<p>The final minutes of stoppage time offered considerable drama.<\/p>\n<p>After the U.S. cleared a series of crosses, the Americans finally regained control of possession and took a little heat off U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese.<\/p>\n<p>Gio Reyna replaced Weston McKennie in the fifth minute of stoppage time.<\/p>\n<p>The U.S. is consistently winning duels for the ball despite being short handed since the 64th minute.<\/p>\n<p>Ricardo Pepi could not bring down a bouncing pass ahead to him in the box, but the deflection fell to Alex Freeman. Freeman\u2019s shot sailed wide to the right.<\/p>\n<p>Ermin Mahmic took back-to-back shots that forced U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese to dive for dangerous balls that whistled off target.<\/p>\n<p>  Show more     <\/p>\n<p class=\"post-headline my-0 font-cms-font-brand-heading font-bold text-2xl-1 leading-7.5\"> U.S. makes substitutions and pushes to hold on during stoppage time <\/p>\n<p>U.S. 2, Bosnia-Herzegovina 0, 90th minute<\/p>\n<p>Ricardo Pepi replaced Christian Pulisic and Sebastian Berhalter replaced Sergino Dest in the 87th minute.<\/p>\n<p>The U.S. narrowly avoided a Bosnia goal, with Matt Freese committing early and failing to clear a cross that his teammates helped clear in the 90th minute.<\/p>\n<p>The team must hold on for at least 10 minutes of stoppage time.<\/p>\n<p>  Show more     <\/p>\n<p class=\"post-headline my-0 font-cms-font-brand-heading font-bold text-2xl-1 leading-7.5\"> Malik Tillman scores off free kick to give U.S. breathing room <\/p>\n<p>                 <img class=\"image\" alt=\"U.S. midfielder Malik Tillman celebrates with Giovanni Reyna and teammates after scoring against Bosnia-Herzegovina.\"   width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1782967336_742_.jpeg\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>         <\/p>\n<p>U.S. midfielder Malik Tillman celebrates with Giovanni Reyna and other teammates after scoring against Bosnia-Herzegovina at Levi\u2019s Stadium on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<p>(Robert Gauthier\/Los Angeles Times)<\/p>\n<p>U.S. 2, Bosnia-Herzegovina 0, 82nd minute<\/p>\n<p>In the 79th minute, Malik Tillman\u2019s shot was blocked and Christian Pulisic appeared to score off the rebound. He was later ruled offside.<\/p>\n<p>Bosnia\u2019s coach later howled that the U.S. was too slow to restart after injuries and too physical without getting called for fouls, holding the ball when it was supposed to be a U.S. inbound pay and he was hit with a yellow card.<\/p>\n<p>In the 80th minute Stjepan Radelikic was shown a yellow card for a foul near the box.<\/p>\n<p>Tillman took the free kick on the left side of the field and looped the ball over the wall to the top left corner of goal to extend the Americans lead to 2-0.<\/p>\n<p>It was a massive score for a U.S. team down to 10 men after a red card.<\/p>\n<p>  Show more     <\/p>\n<p class=\"post-headline my-0 font-cms-font-brand-heading font-bold text-2xl-1 leading-7.5\"> Folarin Balogun hit with red card, U.S. down to 10 men <\/p>\n<p>                 <img class=\"image\" alt=\"A referee gives a red card to U.S. forward Folarin Balogun while Bosnia-Herzegovina's Ermedin Demirovic reacts.\"   width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1782967337_314_.jpeg\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>         <\/p>\n<p>A referee gives a red card to U.S. forward Folarin Balogun (20) while Bosnia-Herzegovina\u2019s Ermedin Demirovic (10) reacts at Levi\u2019s Stadium on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<p>(David M. Barreda\/Los Angeles Times)<\/p>\n<p>U.S. 1, Bosnia-Herzegovina 0, 70th minute<\/p>\n<p>The U.S. appeared to be in control until a catastrophic moment in the 61st minute.<\/p>\n<p>Folarin Balogun crashed into Tarik Muharemovi\u0107 and Balogun landed on Muharemovi\u0107\u2019s foot. Muharemovi\u0107 was treated on the field and the referee opted to use VAR to review the play.<\/p>\n<p>The result was massive penalty for the U.S., with Balogun handed a red card and ejected from the game. Balogun is the Americans\u2019 top scorer and also will be suspended from the team\u2019s next match if the team advances.<\/p>\n<p>Bosnia immediately applied more pressure on the U.S. goal, but Matt Freese made comfortable saves in the 65th and 68th minutes. <\/p>\n<p>The U.S. made it to the hydration break without conceding a goal and will get a chance to regroup.<\/p>\n<p>  Show more     <\/p>\n<p class=\"post-headline my-0 font-cms-font-brand-heading font-bold text-2xl-1 leading-7.5\"> U.S., Bosnia push tempo early in second half <\/p>\n<p>                 <img class=\"image\" alt=\"Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Sead Kolasinac heads the ball in front of U.S. defender Sergino Dest.\"   width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1782967337_189_.jpeg\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>         <\/p>\n<p>Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Sead Kolasinac heads the ball in front of U.S. defender Sergino Dest during a World Cup match at Levi\u2019s Stadium on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<p>(Robert Gauthier\/Los Angeles Times)<\/p>\n<p>U.S. 1, Bosnia-Herzegovina 0, 51st minute<\/p>\n<p>The U.S. and Bosnia were both aggressive to start the second half, with lots of collisions around the field. The U.S. continued to dominate possession with dangerous runs toward the Bosnia goal.<\/p>\n<p>In the 49th minute, Bosnia captain Edin Dzeko called for a substitution after appearing to suffer a knee injury. Bosnia opted for three substitutions. The lull along with the new energy on the field slowed what had been a frantic pace that favored the U.S.<\/p>\n<p>  Show more     <\/p>\n<p class=\"post-headline my-0 font-cms-font-brand-heading font-bold text-2xl-1 leading-7.5\"> U.S. narrow misses scoring second goal, leads at halftime <\/p>\n<p>                 <img class=\"image\" alt=\"U.S. forward Christian Pulisic and Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Nikola Katic vie for the ball during a World Cup match.\"   width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1782967338_887_.jpeg\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>         <\/p>\n<p>U.S. forward Christian Pulisic and Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Nikola Katic vie for the ball during a World Cup match at Levi\u2019s Stadium on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<p>(Robert Gauthier\/Los Angeles Times)<\/p>\n<p>U.S. 1, Bosnia-Herzegovina 0, halftime<\/p>\n<p>In the second minute of stoppage time as Bosnia was pressing to mount a run after the U.S. goal, there was a hard collision midfield and Tyler Adams was treated for several minutes.<\/p>\n<p>Adams had to briefly leave before returning to action a minute later.<\/p>\n<p>After another U.S. run, Sergi\u00f1o Dest fell backward as he tapped the ball to Folarin Balogun, whose touch was a bit too strong as the ball shot off the crossbar and bounced out.<\/p>\n<p>Adams later slid into Bosnia\u2019s Kerim Alajbegovi\u0107, who had to be treated on the field, extending stoppage time.<\/p>\n<p>Time finally expired and the U.S. headed to the locker room with a lead and momentum.<\/p>\n<p>The Americans\u2019 quick, precise passing carved up a formidable Bosnia defense during run after run.<\/p>\n<p>  Show more     <\/p>\n<p class=\"post-headline my-0 font-cms-font-brand-heading font-bold text-2xl-1 leading-7.5\"> Folarin Balogun delivers goal in traffic, gives U.S. lead <\/p>\n<p>                 <img class=\"image\" alt=\"U.S. forward Folarin Balogun scores in front of Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic and Nikola Katic.\"   width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1782967338_39_.jpeg\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>         <\/p>\n<p>U.S. forward Folarin Balogun scores in front of Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic and Nikola Katic during a World Cup match at Levi\u2019s Stadium on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<p>(Robert Gauthier\/Los Angeles Times)<\/p>\n<p>U.S. 1, Bosnia-Herzegovina 0, 45th minute<\/p>\n<p>Folarin Balogun is fouled and earns a free kick to the right of the box.<\/p>\n<p>A pass into Balogun at the edge of the penalty area, was kicked out of bounds and far off target.<\/p>\n<p>Bosnia then enjoyed its most extended possession stretch since early in the first half, but the U.S. kept creeping forward and stepping up its pressure.<\/p>\n<p>The Bosnia goalkeeper delivered a kick toward midfield the U.S. controlled and flicked forward to Tim Ream, passed toward Balogun. The ball was deflected and still landed at Balogun\u2019s feet and he nutmegged the goalkeeper for the score.<\/p>\n<p>  Show more     <\/p>\n<p class=\"post-headline my-0 font-cms-font-brand-heading font-bold text-2xl-1 leading-7.5\"> Folarin Balogun goal erased by offside call <\/p>\n<p>U.S. 0, Bosnia-Herzegovina 0, 33rd minute<\/p>\n<p>Folarin Balogun was hoping for a penalty kick on a tackle in the box soon after the hydration break, but it was ruled a clean play.<\/p>\n<p>Shortly afterward, Balogun received the ball on the run, beat the Bosnia defense and appeared to score. The U.S. celebrated, but he was quickly ruled offside.<\/p>\n<p>The play, however, still got the crowd fired.<\/p>\n<p>  Show more     <\/p>\n<p class=\"post-headline my-0 font-cms-font-brand-heading font-bold text-2xl-1 leading-7.5\"> U.S. and Bosnia scoreless at the first hydration break <\/p>\n<p>                 <img class=\"image\" alt=\"Bosnia-Herzegovina forward Ermedin Demirovic grabs U.S. defender Chris Richards during a World Cup match.\"   width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1782967338_568_.jpeg\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>         <\/p>\n<p>Bosnia-Herzegovina forward Ermedin Demirovic grabs U.S. defender Chris Richards during a World Cup match at Levi\u2019s Stadium on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<p>(David M. Barreda\/Los Angeles Times)<\/p>\n<p>U.S. 0, Bosnia-Herzegovina 0, 24th minute<\/p>\n<p>After Bosnia earned two shots on goal, the U.S. took control of possession and attacked.<\/p>\n<p>In the 15th minute, the U.S. made a strong run, with Folarin Balogun missing a shot from the center of the box off a pass from Antonee Robinson.<\/p>\n<p>A few minutes later, there was a collision in the Bosnia box and goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj was treated by medical teams before deciding he could continue to play.<\/p>\n<p>The U.S. made one more run, but the team had difficulty getting in position and controlling the ball in the final third. Christian Pulisic was passed the ball on the right side of the box and could not retain possession before the ball rolled out of bounds.<\/p>\n<p>The referee then signaled for the hydration break.<\/p>\n<p>  Show more     <\/p>\n<p class=\"post-headline my-0 font-cms-font-brand-heading font-bold text-2xl-1 leading-7.5\"> U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese delivers two early saves, game remains scoreless <\/p>\n<p>                 <img class=\"image\" alt=\"U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese passes the ball during a World Cup match against Bosnia-Herzegovina at Levi's Stadium.\"   width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1782967339_308_.jpeg\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>         <\/p>\n<p>U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese passes the ball during a World Cup match against Bosnia-Herzegovina at Levi\u2019s Stadium on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<p>(David M. Barreda\/Los Angeles Times)<\/p>\n<p>U.S. 0, Bosnia-Herzegovina 0, 11th minute<\/p>\n<p>U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese delivered back-to-back saves in the 10th and 11th minutes.<\/p>\n<p>Ermedin Demirovic broke free for a shot from the right side of the box that was on target and blocked by Freese in the 10th minute.<\/p>\n<p>Bosnia then earned a corner and nearly scored directly from the spot, but Freese punched the sure goal away.<\/p>\n<p>  Show more     <\/p>\n<p class=\"post-headline my-0 font-cms-font-brand-heading font-bold text-2xl-1 leading-7.5\"> U.S. vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina kicks off <\/p>\n<p>                 <img class=\"image\" alt=\"U.S. fans before a World Cup match against Bosnia-Herzegovina at Levi's Stadium on Wednesday.\"   width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1782967341_766_.jpeg\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>         <\/p>\n<p>U.S. fans before a World Cup match against Bosnia-Herzegovina at Levi\u2019s Stadium on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<p>(Robert Gauthier\/Los Angeles Times)<\/p>\n<p>U.S. 0, Bosnia-Herzegovina 0, 1st minute<\/p>\n<p>The U.S. World Cup Round of 32 match against Bosnia-Herzegovina is under way at Levi\u2019s Stadium Santa Clara.<\/p>\n<p>  Show more     <\/p>\n<p class=\"post-headline my-0 font-cms-font-brand-heading font-bold text-2xl-1 leading-7.5\"> Photos: Fans cheer on the U.S. and Bosnia-Herzegovina at Levi\u2019s Stadium <\/p>\n<p>                     <img class=\"image\" alt=\"U.S. fans cheer before a World Cup round of 32 match against Bosnia-Herzegovina at Levi's Stadium on Wednesday.\"   width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1782967342_790_.jpeg\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>         <\/p>\n<p>U.S. fans cheer before a World Cup round of 32 match against Bosnia-Herzegovina at Levi\u2019s Stadium on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<p>(David M. Barreda\/Los Angeles Times)<\/p>\n<p>                   <img class=\"image\" alt=\"U.S. fans cheer before the World Cup round of 32 match against Bosnia-Herzegovina at Levi's Stadium on Wednesday.\"   width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1782967343_652_.jpeg\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>         <\/p>\n<p>U.S. fans cheer before the World Cup round of 32 match against Bosnia-Herzegovina at Levi\u2019s Stadium on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<p>(Robert Gauthier\/Los Angeles Times)<\/p>\n<p>                   <img class=\"image\" alt=\"U.S. players Tim Ream, Christian Pulisic and others walk onto the Levi's Stadium field before a World Cup match.\"   width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1782967344_597_.jpeg\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>         <\/p>\n<p>U.S. players Tim Ream (13), Christian Pulisic (10) and others walk onto the Levi\u2019s Stadium field before a World Cup round of 32 match against Bosnia-Herzegovina on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<p>(David M. Barreda\/Los Angeles Times)<\/p>\n<p>                   <img class=\"image\" alt=\"Bosnia-Herzegovina players walk onto the Levi's Stadium field before a World Cup round of 32 match.\"   width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1782967345_551_.jpeg\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>         <\/p>\n<p>Bosnia-Herzegovina players walk onto the Levi\u2019s Stadium field before a World Cup round of 32 match against the U.S. on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<p>(David M. Barreda\/Los Angeles Times)<\/p>\n<p>                   <img class=\"image\" alt=\"Bosnia-Herzegovina fans cheer before a World Cup match against the U.S. at Levi's Stadium on Wednesday.\"   width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1782967346_315_.jpeg\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>         <\/p>\n<p>Bosnia-Herzegovina fans cheer before a World Cup match against the U.S. at Levi\u2019s Stadium on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<p>(Robert Gauthier\/Los Angeles Times)<\/p>\n<p>  Show more     <\/p>\n<p class=\"post-headline my-0 font-cms-font-brand-heading font-bold text-2xl-1 leading-7.5\"> Christian Pulisic returns to U.S. starting lineup <\/p>\n<p>                 <img class=\"image\" alt=\"U.S. forward Christian Pulisic warms up before a World Cup match against Bosnia-Herzegovina at Levi's Stadium.\"   width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1782967347_207_.jpeg\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>         <\/p>\n<p>U.S. forward Christian Pulisic warms up before a World Cup match against Bosnia-Herzegovina at Levi\u2019s Stadium on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<p>(David M. Barreda\/Los Angeles Times)<\/p>\n<p>Christian Pulisic has returned to the United States starting lineup after recovering from a calf injury.<\/p>\n<p>  Show more     <\/p>\n<p class=\"post-headline my-0 font-cms-font-brand-heading font-bold text-2xl-1 leading-7.5\"> Swanson: Christian Pulisic is the spark the U.S. will need in the World Cup\u2019s knockout stages <\/p>\n<p>                 <img class=\"image\" alt=\"U.S. forward Christian Pulisic during the second half of a World Cup group stage match against Turkey at SoFi Stadium.\"   width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1782967347_548_.jpeg\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>         <\/p>\n<p>U.S. forward Christian Pulisic returned to World Cup action Thursday against Turkey, entering in the second half and making an impact.<\/p>\n<p>(Kelvin Kuo \/ Los Angeles Times)<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/sports\/soccer\/story\/2026-06-07\/christian-pulisic-carries-us-world-cup-hopes\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Christian Pulisic<\/a> is back. Back like Captain America, revived and ready to go after being put on ice for a spell, needed to save the day.<\/p>\n<p>Forget everything else about Thursday\u2019s match against Turkey at SoFi Stadium and marinate on that.<\/p>\n<p>Never mind the <a class=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/sports\/soccer\/story\/2026-06-25\/us-turkey-final-result-fifa-world-cup\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">United States\u2019 3-2 loss<\/a> in their final <a class=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/topic\/world-cup-2026\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">World Cup<\/a> Group D match; the result was inconsequential. The Americans knew they were going through to the round of 32, and more, they\u2019d already won the group. No pressure is a privilege, well-earned.<\/p>\n<p>Never mind how the match ended, with a gut punch of a goal from Kaan Ayhan in the final moments of stoppage time.<\/p>\n<p class=\"post-headline my-0 font-cms-font-brand-heading font-bold text-2xl-1 leading-7.5\"> \u2018Why not us?\u2019 How Mauricio Pochettino taught the U.S. to believe it could win a World Cup <\/p>\n<p>                 <img class=\"image\" alt=\"Irvine, CA - June 08: USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino waves.\"   width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1782750740_592_.jpeg\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>         <\/p>\n<p>Mauricio Pochettino is the first U.S. men\u2019s coach to win the group stage of a World Cup in 96 years.<\/p>\n<p>(Ronaldo Bolanos \/ Los Angeles Times)<\/p>\n<p>A bowl of lemons sits on a table in the conference room <a class=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/sports\/soccer\/story\/2026-05-26\/thirteen-players-with-world-cup-experience-make-us-roster\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Mauricio Pochettino<\/a> has turned into an office at the U.S. men\u2019s soccer team\u2019s beachfront resort in south Orange County. The citrus fruit, the coach believes, has the spiritual ability to absorb negative energy. On the corner of another table, the flame from a  candle flickers.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI like candles,\u201d says Pochettino, who believes they release therapeutic fragrances and create a calming environment.<\/p>\n<p>But it is the massive, blood-red mural covering the entire south side of the room that truly reveals what Pochettino believes. In the center of the wall, just behind the coach\u2019s desk, white block letters spell out \u201cWhy Not\u201d above a script \u201cU.S.,\u201d which, despite the periods, is meant to be read as \u201cus.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"post-headline my-0 font-cms-font-brand-heading font-bold text-2xl-1 leading-7.5\"> Born in Brooklyn, raised in London, Folarin Balogun lights up the World Cup for the U.S. <\/p>\n<p>                 <img class=\"image\" alt=\"U.S. forward Folarin Balogun, left, goes after the ball against Paraguay defender Omar Alderete during a World Cup match.\"   width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1782057612_821_.jpeg\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>         <\/p>\n<p>U.S. forward Folarin Balogun, left, scored twice against Paraguy during the USMNT\u2019s World Cup group stage opener on Friday, the first American player to score multiple goals in a World Cup match in 96 years.<\/p>\n<p>(Ronaldo Bolanos \/ Los Angeles Times)<\/p>\n<p>SEATTLE\u00a0\u2014\u00a0If a pregnant Nigerian woman had been allowed to board a plane 25 years ago, the U.S. team\u2019s path through <a class=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/topic\/world-cup-2026\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">this summer\u2019s World Cup<\/a> may have unfolded much differently. Instead, a gate agent turned her away, insisting it wasn\u2019t safe for her to fly from New York to London.<\/p>\n<p>So Florence Balogun returned to Brooklyn, where she had been visiting relatives, and waited for her second son to be born. And when <a class=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ussoccer.com\/players\/b\/folarin-balogun\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Folarin<\/a> arrived a few weeks later, entering the world just hours before Independence Day dawned, he did so as an American citizen.<\/p>\n<p>It was that quirk of fate that allowed Balogun, who lived just two months in the U.S., to represent the country on soccer\u2019s biggest stage.<\/p>\n<p class=\"post-headline my-0 font-cms-font-brand-heading font-bold text-2xl-1 leading-7.5\"> \u2018The clear choice by far.\u2019 Why rising U.S. star Alex Freeman chose soccer over the NFL <\/p>\n<p>                 <img class=\"image\" alt=\"U.S. defender Alex Freeman, left, and Paraguay forward Julio Enciso battle for control of the ball.\"   width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1782967350_885_.jpeg\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>         <\/p>\n<p>U.S. defender Alex Freeman, left, and Paraguay forward Julio Enciso battle for control of the ball during the United States\u2019 4-1 win in its World Cup opener on June 12.<\/p>\n<p>(Kelvin Kuo \/ Los Angeles Times)<\/p>\n<p>SEATTLE\u00a0\u2014\u00a0Growing up the son of an NFL wide receiver, <a class=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ussoccer.com\/players\/f\/alex-freeman\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Alex Freeman<\/a> said he felt a lot of pressure to play the American version of football, not the one the rest of the world plays.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI always got asked if football was the path,\u201d he said last summer. \u201cBut I always had a secret love for soccer.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>And he had to keep it a secret because he wasn\u2019t sure his father <a class=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nfl.com\/players\/antonio-freeman\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Antonio<\/a>, a Super Bowl winner with the Green Bay Packers, would understand.<\/p>\n<p class=\"post-headline my-0 font-cms-font-brand-heading font-bold text-2xl-1 leading-7.5\"> Swanson: From poker pro to World Cup coach: Sergej Barbarez all in with Bosnia-Herzegovina <\/p>\n<p>                 <img class=\"image\" alt=\"Bosnia and Herzegovina coach Sergej Barbarez shakes hands with one of his players before a loss to Switzerland.\"   width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1782057614_1_.jpeg\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>         <\/p>\n<p>Bosnia and Herzegovina coach Sergej Barbarez shakes hands with one of his players before a loss to Switzerland in the World Cup Group B play at Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi Stadium) on Thursday.<\/p>\n<p>(Allen J. Schaben \/ Los Angeles Times)<\/p>\n<p>Imagine it. A neophyte coach, leading a team for the first time at any competitive level, and it being a high-profile assignment on the biggest of big stages.<\/p>\n<p>A self-assured broadcaster, critical and competitive, having his bluff called, being invited to not just talk about it, but to be about it: Walk the walk, why don\u2019t you?<\/p>\n<p>A former player \u2014 scorer, shooter \u2014 being challenged to step up and right a listing ship while navigating politics and the push and pull of history and high hopes.<\/p>\n<p class=\"post-headline my-0 font-cms-font-brand-heading font-bold text-2xl-1 leading-7.5\"> U.S. loss to Turkey in final World Cup group match: A small bump, or cause for concern? <\/p>\n<p>                 <img class=\"image\" alt=\"U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino during the first half of a World Cup group stage match against Turkey at SoFi Stadium.\"   width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1782967352_954_.jpeg\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>         <\/p>\n<p>U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino during the first half of a World Cup group stage match against Turkey at SoFi Stadium.<\/p>\n<p>(Robert Gauthier \/ Los Angeles Times)<\/p>\n<p>Through the first two games of this summer\u2019s <a class=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/topic\/world-cup-2026\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">World Cup<\/a>, the U.S. was about as perfect as a team could be. It won both games, never trailed, gave up just a goal and won its group handily, playing with a verve and confidence that erased all the doubts that had shadowed it coming in.<\/p>\n<p>Then came Thursday.<\/p>\n<p>With <a class=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/sports\/soccer\/story\/2026-06-25\/mauricio-pochettino-usmnt-world-cup-success\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Mauricio Pochettino<\/a> making a record nine changes to a lineup that had given the U.S. its most successful start to a World Cup in 96 years, the B team that closed the group stage at SoFi Stadium with <a class=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/sports\/soccer\/story\/2026-06-25\/us-turkey-final-result-fifa-world-cup\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">a 3-2 loss to Turkey<\/a> served to remind everyone how flawed this group can be.<\/p>\n<p class=\"post-headline my-0 font-cms-font-brand-heading font-bold text-2xl-1 leading-7.5\"> For Sebastian Berhalter, a shot with the U.S. national team was well worth the wait <\/p>\n<p>                 <img class=\"image\" alt=\"U.S. midfielder Sebastian Berhalter waves to the crowd during his team's World Cup match against Turkey at SoFi Stadium.\"   width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1782967353_347_.jpeg\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>         <\/p>\n<p>U.S. midfielder Sebastian Berhalter waves to the crowd during his team\u2019s World Cup match against Turkey at SoFi Stadium last week.<\/p>\n<p>(Robert Gauthier \/ Los Angeles Times)<\/p>\n<p>Some kids grow up with video games and summer camp. Sebastian Berhalter grew up with the <a class=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/topic\/world-cup-2026\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">World Cup<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>He was 13 months old when his father, <a class=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/sports\/soccer\/story\/2022-12-02\/feature-on-us-mens-soccer\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Gregg<\/a>, played in the tournament for the first time and 5 when his dad was called back. And four years ago, when Sebastian was already a professional in his own right, he went to Qatar to watch his father coach the U.S. to the round of 16.<\/p>\n<p>Yet none of that prepared the younger Berhalter for his own World Cup debut earlier this month.<\/p>\n<p class=\"post-headline my-0 font-cms-font-brand-heading font-bold text-2xl-1 leading-7.5\"> Pico Rivera\u2019s Cristian Roldan may be last made-in-high-school U.S. World Cup star <\/p>\n<p>                 <img class=\"image\" alt=\"U.S. men's national team player Cristian Roldan, center, and his teammates arrive at SoFi Stadium before a World Cup match.\"   width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1782057614_552_.jpeg\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>         <\/p>\n<p>U.S. men\u2019s national team player Cristian Roldan, center, and his teammates arrive at SoFi Stadium before the World Cup group stage match between the United States and Paraguay on June 12 in Inglewood.<\/p>\n<p>(Kelvin Kuo \/ Los Angeles Times)<\/p>\n<p>SEATTLE\u00a0\u2014\u00a0Cristian Roldan and Haji Wright grew up less than three years and 30 miles apart, Roldan in Pico Rivera and Wright in Culver City. The odds that they would go on to become teammates on not one, but two, U.S. World Cup teams seem astronomical.<\/p>\n<p>Yet despite starting at the same time and place and arriving together at the same destination, the two players followed completely different paths to get there. <\/p>\n<p>Wright joined the Galaxy\u2019s academy at 14 and signed with Schalke of the top tier German Bundesliga days after his 18th birthday. Roldan was still playing for El Rancho, when he was 17, making him the only member of the U.S. World Cup team to play four years at a public high school.<\/p>\n<p class=\"post-headline my-0 font-cms-font-brand-heading font-bold text-2xl-1 leading-7.5\"> \u2018I love America!\u2019: With the World Cup, Inglewood becomes an international hub <\/p>\n<p>                 <img class=\"image\" alt=\"Bartender Elijah Gonzalez mixes a drink at the Nile Bar while customers watch Croatia play England\"   width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1782967354_652_.jpeg\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>         <\/p>\n<p>Bartender Elijah Gonzalez mixes a drink at the Nile Bar in Inglewood while customers watch Croatia play England as businesses and locals embrace the World Cup soccer tournament. <\/p>\n<p>(Allen J. Schaben \/ Los Angeles Times)<\/p>\n<p>Daiki Kaneko had only 24 hours before his World Cup journey took him to Dallas, where his home country\u2019s squad will take on Sweden. <\/p>\n<p>The Japanese soccer fan was making the most of it on Tuesday in Inglewood, snapping pictures of SoFi Stadium before taking in a different kind of monument: a space-age, two-story branch of the chicken chain Raising Cane\u2019s, complete with a 308-square-foot screen, a mirrored dog sculpture and a massive halo hovering around the exterior.<\/p>\n<p>For Kaneko, 25, who lives in the Tokyo suburbs, it was the perfect encapsulation of American grandeur. <\/p>\n<p class=\"post-headline my-0 font-cms-font-brand-heading font-bold text-2xl-1 leading-7.5\"> Harvard alum Matt Freese took an unusual path to starting in goal for U.S. at World Cup <\/p>\n<p>                 <img class=\"image\" alt=\"U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese directs his teammates before Paraguay takes a free kick during a World Cup match.\"   width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1782750736_303_.jpeg\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>         <\/p>\n<p>U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese directs his teammates before Paraguay takes a free kick during a World Cup match at SoFi Stadium on June 12.<\/p>\n<p>(Kelvin Kuo\/Los Angeles Times)<\/p>\n<p>Playing in goal for the U.S. men\u2019s national soccer team is a little like playing right field for the Yankees. You\u2019re following a long line of great players, making the comparisons \u2014 and the high expectations \u2014 unavoidable.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ussoccer.com\/players\/f\/matt-freese\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Matt Freese<\/a> is the latest to be thrown into that crucible. But he considers that pressure to be a privilege, not a problem.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI wouldn\u2019t say it\u2019s intimidating, I would say it\u2019s inspiring,\u201d he said before the U.S. training session Tuesday morning <a class=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/sports\/soccer\/story\/2026-05-26\/inside-u-s-soccers-world-cup-camp-at-orange-county-great-park\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">in Irvine<\/a>. \u201cIt\u2019s a long line of goalkeepers that I\u2019ve looked up to for my whole life \u2014 and there were some before my life as well.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"post-headline my-0 font-cms-font-brand-heading font-bold text-2xl-1 leading-7.5\"> Swanson: World Cup shows MLS still needs to achieve major goals to grow the game <\/p>\n<p>                 <img class=\"image\" alt=\"Canadian fans react after Stephen Eust\u00e1quio scores in stoppage time of a 1-0 win over South Africa.\"   width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1782750741_126_.jpeg\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>         <\/p>\n<p>Canadian fans react after Stephen Eust\u00e1quio scores in stoppage time of a 1-0 win over South Africa at the World Cup at SoFi Stadium on Sunday.<\/p>\n<p>(Allen J. Schaben \/ Los Angeles Times)<\/p>\n<p>Remember when we were sure the <a class=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/topic\/world-cup-2026\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">World Cup<\/a> would suffer from all the issues that had everyone seeing red before the first ball was kicked?<\/p>\n<p>And remember when we were certain soccer could never catch on in this country?<\/p>\n<p>Despite controversies over visas and ticket prices and transportation, and in spite of consternation over expansion and new rules, the game has, as usual, proved too good to fail.<\/p>\n<p>And we, the American people, have become unusually engrossed in it.<\/p>\n<p class=\"post-headline my-0 font-cms-font-brand-heading font-bold text-2xl-1 leading-7.5\"> World Cup Round of 32 live updates, schedule, results and highlights <\/p>\n<p>Live updates from Wednesday\u2019s knockout round games at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Get the latest news, results and highlights from the 39-day tournament.<\/p>\n<p class=\"post-headline my-0 font-cms-font-brand-heading font-bold text-2xl-1 leading-7.5\"> 2026 World Cup knockout round TV schedule, game previews and results <\/p>\n<p>                 <img class=\"image\" alt=\"Argentina star Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring against Jordan at the World Cup on June 27.\"   width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1782967357_195_.jpeg\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>         <\/p>\n<p>Argentina star Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring against Jordan at the World Cup on June 27. Argentina faces Cape Verde on Friday.<\/p>\n<p>(David Ramos \/ Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>Group play is over and it\u2019s knockout time at the <a class=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/topic\/world-cup-2026\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">2026 FIFA World Cup<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The round of 32 is in progress, with several teams already moving on the round of 16, including tournament co-hosts <a class=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/sports\/soccer\/story\/2026-06-28\/canada-defeats-south-africa-world-cup\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Canada<\/a> and <a class=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/sports\/soccer\/story\/2026-06-30\/mexico-ends-world-cup-knockout-round-drought-defeats-ecuador\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Mexico<\/a>. The U.S. will be looking to do the same when it <a class=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/sports\/soccer\/story\/2026-06-30\/sebastian-berhalter-usmnt-world-cup-knockout-stages\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">faces Bosnia-Herzegovina<\/a> on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s everything you need to know about World Cup knockout stage matches being played Wednesday, Thursday and Friday across the U.S., Mexico and Canada (all times Pacific).<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"U.S. advances to round of 16 with thrilling win over Bosnia-Herzegovina despite red card U.S. midfielders Sebastian Berhalter&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":383145,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[27],"tags":[146637,146636,73704,11190,9831,11592,18949,2194,7244,146357,143440,152063,48,52,51,47,50,49,42338,16408,70556],"class_list":["post-383144","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-los-angeles","tag-a-m-tv","tag-buzz","tag-european-team","tag-fifa-world-cup","tag-first-time","tag-fox","tag-fs1","tag-goal","tag-group","tag-group-play","tag-group-stage","tag-knockout-stage","tag-la","tag-la-headlines","tag-la-news","tag-los-angeles","tag-los-angeles-headlines","tag-los-angeles-news","tag-p-m-tv","tag-round","tag-telemundo"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/383144","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=383144"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/383144\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/383145"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=383144"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=383144"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=383144"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}