A soccer ball on the grass in the field by the net (Marcia Straub/Getty Images)
(NEW YORK) -- The U.S. men's national team defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0 on Wednesday night in their highest-stakes 2026 World Cup match so far, clinching a spot in the round of 16.
It was the U.S. men's team's first World Cup knockout win in 24 years.
The U.S. takes on Belgium on July 6.
U.S. forward Folarin Balogun, who scored a goal in the first half, was handed a controversial red card in the 64th minute following a clash with an opposing player. The red card makes him ineligible for the next match.
Later, Malik Tillman followed up Balogun's goal with a free kick in the 82nd minute, padding the U.S. lead.
Wednesday's win, at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, came after the team's impressive first-place record in the group stage. The USMNT finished the group stage with a 2-1 record, with wins over Paraguay and Australia before a loss to Turkey, which occurred once the team had already secured a spot in the next round.
The matchup versus Bosnia-Herzegovina was the U.S. men's team first knockout game following the earlier group stage.
After 48 teams descended upon Canada, Mexico and the United States, 32 teams remained in the knockout stages, which started earlier this week, vying to hoist the trophy on July 19.
With its loss, Bosnia-Herzegovina is eliminated from the World Cup.
Earlier Wednesday, Belgium defeated Senegal 3-2, securing its spot in the next round.
On Tuesday, Mexico defeated Ecuador to advance.
The round of 32 kicked off to a dramatic start on Monday, with Brazil coming from behind to beat Japan 2-1 before Paraguay eliminated Germany in penalty kicks , in one of the most shocking upsets of the tournament so far.
Morocco also topped Netherlands on Monday to clinch a spot in the next round.
LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Luke Hales/Getty Images)
(LOS ANGELES) -- LeBron James will leave the Los Angeles Lakers and continue his career elsewhere, according to a report from ESPN's Shams Charania, citing James' agent Rich Paul.
James recently completed his 23rd season in the NBA, and his eighth with the Lakers.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Lakers owner Jeanie Buss said, "LeBron James is one of the greatest athletes in history. We will always be thankful for his eight years with the Lakers - including the title he led us to in 2020 under the toughest imaginable circumstances and the countless records he broke in purple and gold."
The statement continued, "We wish him all the best in the future, both on the court and off. He will always be a cherished part of the Lakers family."
The announcement comes moments before the NBA's free agency period is set to kick off, where traditionally high-profile player movement is frequent.
With the announcement, James also leaves his son Bronny James in a Laker uniform. The younger James, who was drafted by the team in 2024, is still on the roster, but could be waived should the Lakers choose to part ways with him.
James' 23rd season marked the most seasons played in NBA history, and he will now build upon that legacy with his 24th campaign.
The icon of modern basketball, holds a plethora of records including all-time NBA leading scorer.
James finished his 23rd and final season with the Lakers averaging 20.9 points per game, 7.2 assists per game and 6.1 rebounds per game.
US defeats Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0, advancing to World Cup round of 16
Posted/updated on:
July 20, 2026 at
5:41 am
A soccer ball on the grass in the field by the net (Marcia Straub/Getty Images)
(NEW YORK) -- The U.S. men's national team defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0 on Wednesday night in their highest-stakes 2026 World Cup match so far, clinching a spot in the round of 16.
It was the U.S. men's team's first World Cup knockout win in 24 years.
The U.S. takes on Belgium on July 6.
U.S. forward Folarin Balogun, who scored a goal in the first half, was handed a controversial red card in the 64th minute following a clash with an opposing player. The red card makes him ineligible for the next match.
Later, Malik Tillman followed up Balogun's goal with a free kick in the 82nd minute, padding the U.S. lead.
Wednesday's win, at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, came after the team's impressive first-place record in the group stage. The USMNT finished the group stage with a 2-1 record, with wins over Paraguay and Australia before a loss to Turkey, which occurred once the team had already secured a spot in the next round.
The matchup versus Bosnia-Herzegovina was the U.S. men's team first knockout game following the earlier group stage.
After 48 teams descended upon Canada, Mexico and the United States, 32 teams remained in the knockout stages, which started earlier this week, vying to hoist the trophy on July 19.
With its loss, Bosnia-Herzegovina is eliminated from the World Cup.
Earlier Wednesday, Belgium defeated Senegal 3-2, securing its spot in the next round.
On Tuesday, Mexico defeated Ecuador to advance.
The round of 32 kicked off to a dramatic start on Monday, with Brazil coming from behind to beat Japan 2-1 before Paraguay eliminated Germany in penalty kicks , in one of the most shocking upsets of the tournament so far.
Morocco also topped Netherlands on Monday to clinch a spot in the next round.
LeBron James speaks out on decision to leave Lakers, continue playing
Posted/updated on:
July 20, 2026 at
5:41 am
LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Luke Hales/Getty Images)
(LOS ANGELES) -- LeBron James will leave the Los Angeles Lakers and continue his career elsewhere, according to a report from ESPN's Shams Charania, citing James' agent Rich Paul.
James recently completed his 23rd season in the NBA, and his eighth with the Lakers.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Lakers owner Jeanie Buss said, "LeBron James is one of the greatest athletes in history. We will always be thankful for his eight years with the Lakers - including the title he led us to in 2020 under the toughest imaginable circumstances and the countless records he broke in purple and gold."
The statement continued, "We wish him all the best in the future, both on the court and off. He will always be a cherished part of the Lakers family."
The announcement comes moments before the NBA's free agency period is set to kick off, where traditionally high-profile player movement is frequent.
With the announcement, James also leaves his son Bronny James in a Laker uniform. The younger James, who was drafted by the team in 2024, is still on the roster, but could be waived should the Lakers choose to part ways with him.
James' 23rd season marked the most seasons played in NBA history, and he will now build upon that legacy with his 24th campaign.
The icon of modern basketball, holds a plethora of records including all-time NBA leading scorer.
James finished his 23rd and final season with the Lakers averaging 20.9 points per game, 7.2 assists per game and 6.1 rebounds per game.
