U.S. men's national team forward Folarin Balogun delivered a pivotal goal in Wednesday's World Cup Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, then celebrated with a tribute to NBA superstar LeBron James. Balogun performed James's trademark «silencer» gesture after finding the back of the net just before halftime, giving the Americans a 1-0 lead they would not relinquish.
The goal came after a tense opening half-hour in Santa Clara, California, where Balogun had an earlier strike called back for offside. On his second opportunity, he made no mistake. Receiving a well-timed pass from Malik Tillman, Balogun slipped through a gap in the Bosnian defense and slotted the ball past the goalkeeper. The celebration that followed — cupping his ears and lowering his hands in the «silencer» pose — was a direct nod to James, who has used the gesture throughout his NBA career.
Balogun's goal was his third of the tournament, making him the U.S. team's leading scorer in the competition. The Americans carried that momentum into the second half, where they faced an additional challenge. Midfielder Weston McKennie received a red card early in the second period, forcing the U.S. to play with 10 men for much of the remainder of the match. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the team held firm. Tillman added a second goal later in the half to seal a 2-0 victory and secure the U.S. spot in the Round of 16.
«The game is going to be about us and what we're prepared to do, and what we have to do to advance,» Balogun said before the match. «It's crunch time. This is the business end, and this is the stage where, in my opinion, the big players step forward and the big players carry the pressure and make things happen.» His performance backed up those words, as he delivered when his team needed him most.
The U.S. entered the knockout stage with momentum despite a loss to Turkey in their final group-stage match. The expanded 48-team World Cup format introduced an extra knockout round this year, meaning the Round of 32 was a new hurdle for many teams. The U.S. navigated it successfully, advancing to the Round of 16 for the first time since 2014.
Historically, the U.S. men's national team has a mixed record in World Cup knockout matches. They reached the semifinals in the inaugural 1930 tournament after winning their group, but their only knockout victory since then came in 2002, when they beat Mexico in the Round of 16. Wednesday's win adds another chapter to that history, and Balogun's goal — and his celebration — will be remembered as a defining moment of the match.
Balogun, who was born in New York but raised in England, committed to the U.S. national team in 2023 after representing England at youth levels. His decision has paid dividends for both player and country. At 23, he has quickly become a key figure in the U.S. attack, combining technical skill with a physical presence that troubles defenders. His three goals in this World Cup have come against varied opponents, showcasing his adaptability.
The win over Bosnia and Herzegovina was not without cost. McKennie's red card means he will be suspended for the Round of 16 match, a significant blow to the U.S. midfield. Coach Gregg Berhalter will need to adjust his lineup for the next game, which is scheduled to take place later this week. The identity of the opponent will be determined after the remaining Round of 32 matches are completed.
For now, the U.S. team and its fans can celebrate a hard-fought victory. Balogun's tribute to LeBron James added a layer of cultural resonance to the occasion, connecting two of America's most popular sports on the world stage. James, who has often expressed support for soccer and the U.S. national team, has not yet publicly responded to the gesture, but the moment was widely shared on social media.
The U.S. will now prepare for the Round of 16, where they will face a yet-to-be-determined opponent. With Balogun in form and the team showing resilience in the face of adversity, the Americans have reason for cautious optimism. The knockout rounds are unforgiving, but the U.S. has already demonstrated that they can rise to the occasion.