NEWNow you can listen to Pak Gazette articles!
U.S. men’s national team star Folarin Balogun thought he got the Americans on the board against Bosnia and Herzegovina in their World Cup match on Wednesday sooner than he did.
The first shot that Balogun put into the back of the net was disallowed for offside. Their next opportunity would not be denied.
THE NEW EXPERIENCE OF WATCHING THE FOX ONE WORLD CUP
Folarin Balogun of the United States celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between the United States and Bosnia in Santa Clara, California, near San Francisco, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
As half-time approached, Balogun found a gap in the Bosnian defense and received a good pass from Malik Tillman. Balogun took his chance and scored. Balogun paid tribute to LeBron James, celebrating with the NBA star’s “silencing” move.
The United States took a 1-0 lead into the half and were just 45 minutes away from advancing to the round of 16.
Balogun has three goals so far in the tournament.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PakGazette.Com
Folarin Balogun (20) of the United States celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between the United States and Bosnia in Santa Clara, California, near San Francisco, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (Associated Press)
The United States came in with some momentum despite losing its final group game against Türkiye last week. Balogun spoke about the mentality the team had going into the round of 32 clash.
“The game will be about us, what we are prepared to do and what we have to do to move forward,” Balogun said. “It’s crunch time. This is the end of the business and this is the stage where, in my opinion, the big players step up and the big players take the pressure and make things happen.”
Folarin Balogun of USA, Amar Dedic of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the World Cup match between USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on July 1, 2026 in San Francisco Bay Area, United States. (Eric Verhoeven/Socrates/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pak Gazette APP
The United States reached the semifinals of the inaugural World Cup in 1930, when they won their group. Their only knockout victory came in the 2002 tournament, when they beat Mexico in the round of 16. The tournament expanded to 48 nations this year, which meant an additional knockout phase.
