The American dream is more alive than ever. The United States once again showed they are not to be messed with in this 2026 World Cup and, with one player less for almost half an hour, dispatched Bosnia and Herzegovina without mercy. It was 2-0, with goals from Falorin Balogun and Malik Tillman, in a match that had everything: football, tension, and a red card that could have complicated everything, but didn’t.
The team led by Mauricio Pochettino took the field with the same mentality as always: keep the ball, press until the last breath, and give no respite. And it certainly worked. At 45 minutes, Balogun appeared to open the scoring and put the Americans ahead just before halftime. A great goal that seemed to set the course.
But in the second half, things got tough. Balogun, the same hero of the first goal, made a dangerous tackle on a Bosnian player and the referee did not hesitate: straight red card at 63 minutes. It seemed Bosnia could take advantage of the numerical advantage, but they found a United States that stood firm and didn’t shrink one bit.
Far from retreating, Pochettino’s team continued to seek the opponent’s goal and, at 82 minutes, Malik Tillman sealed the match with a goal that left the Bosnians stunned. Final score 2-0, and the United States secured their place in the round of 16, where Belgium awaits, who just beat Senegal 3-2 in extra time.
The performance of the North Americans in this World Cup has been remarkable. Possession, dynamics, high pressing… aspects that show them as one of the most interesting teams in the tournament. And all this with Pochettino in charge, a coach who has given a clear identity to a team that historically was not known for its style of play.
Now, the challenge is different: Belgium. A tough opponent, but if the United States continues to show this personality, one cannot rule out that they might pull off an upset. The team’s best World Cup performance was in 1930, when they reached the semifinals, and in 2002 they advanced past the round of 16 by beating Mexico. Could this be the year they make history again?
What is certain is that Pochettino’s team is not satisfied with just reaching the round of 16. They want more. And with this level, anyone would say they can dream big. For now, they have made it clear that they don’t flinch even when playing with one man down.
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Para mí esto es grandeza americana de verdad. Con uno menos y les rompen el orto igual. Pochettino es un fenómeno, esto es lo que hay. Bélgica? Que se vayan a llorar a la loma del orto, acá no se achica nadie. Vamos Estados Unidos carajo, firmado ElTano.
Para mí esto es un verso del imperio. USA gana con uno menos pero es puro negocio, Pochettino y sus millonarios compran partidos. Bosnia ni la tocó, todo armado. Bélgica los va a fundir, imperialistas de mierda.