US coach Mauricio Pochettino praised his side’s unity after beating Bosnia 2-0 with 10 men on Wednesday, but insisted Folarin Balogun’s dismissal for what he described as ‘accidental’ contact was harsh during the World Cup round of 32.
The victory was the United States’ first in a World Cup knockout match since 2002 and set up a last-16 meeting with Belgium.
«It’s hard to describe our feeling because I think they were great, and there is no easy match at the World Cup,» Pochettino said.
“I think the maturity of the team is amazing, in the way we’ve grown over the last five or six weeks.”
Balogun, who scored his third goal of the tournament just before half-time, will miss the biggest game of his career after being sent off for stepping on Tarik Muharemovic’s ankle.
Bosnia coach Sergej Barbarez said the decision, which was upheld after a VAR review, was fair, but Pochettino strongly disagreed.
«It was never a red card. When I saw it on TV, the intention was never to kick the player,» he said at the post-match press conference.
«That was a normal action in football. It happened by accident and was never intentional. That’s why it was never a red card for me.»
Pochettino said Balogun was disappointed and angry in the dressing room.
«But he is also happy because we qualified. He must understand that these situations happen,» he said.
«I certainly hope he can help us again. I hope we go through to the next round.»
Pochettino became the first coach of the US men’s national team to win three World Cup matches. After the final whistle, he celebrated by singing “Country Roads” with fans in the stands before hugging his players and staff.
With Christian Pulisic back in the starting line-up, Pochettino named the same XI that started the 4-1 win over Paraguay in the group stage. However, the United States struggled to break through Bosnia’s disciplined defense until just before halftime.
A lucky deflection finally broke the deadlock, allowing Balogun to pounce and fire a low shot into the net.
After Balogun’s dismissal, Malik Tillman sealed the victory with a brilliant free kick.
«It was great. Malik is a great player, full of talent,» Pochettino said.
«We knew he had the ability to score from free kicks and produce what he did today. I’m so happy for him.»
Published on July 2, 2026
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/peo-partnerships-upcycle-im-a-52-fashion-writer-and-i-put-together-10-petite-outfits-for-my-summer-wardrobe--shop-them-starting-at-20-tout-59bd94639be943139cfdd34609f9a95a.jpg?w=238&resize=238,178&ssl=1 "Soy una escritora de moda que mide 5’7″ y he armado 10 pequeños conjuntos para mi guardarropa de verano: cómprelos desde $ 20")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/peo-partnerships-upcycle-im-a-52-fashion-writer-and-i-put-together-10-petite-outfits-for-my-summer-wardrobe--shop-them-starting-at-20-tout-59bd94639be943139cfdd34609f9a95a.jpg?w=100&resize=100,75&ssl=1 "Soy una escritora de moda que mide 5’7″ y he armado 10 pequeños conjuntos para mi guardarropa de verano: cómprelos desde $ 20")
