Folarin Balogun scores, celebrates with LeBron James silencer move

U.S. men’s national team star Folarin Balogun thought he had gotten the Americans on the board against Bosnia and Herzegovina in their World Cup match on Wednesday earlier than he did

The first shot that Balogun put into the back of the net was called back for offside. On his next opportunity, he would not be denied.

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United States’ Folarin Balogun celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between the United States and Bosnia in Santa Clara, Calif., near San Francisco, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

As halftime neared, Balogun found a hole in the Bosnian defense and received a nice pass from Malik Tillman. Balogun made the most of his opportunity and scored. Balogun paid tribute to LeBron James, celebrating with the NBA star’s “silencer” move.

The U.S. took a 1-0 lead into the half and were only 45-plus minutes away from moving on to the Round of 16.

Balogun has three goals in the tournament so far.

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United States’ Folarin Balogun (20) celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between the United States and Bosnia in Santa Clara, Calif., near San Francisco, Wednesday, July 1, 2026.  (Associated Press)

The U.S. came in with some momentum even though they lost their final group-stage match against Turkey last week. Balogun spoke of the mindset the team had going into the Round of 32 matchup.

“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. “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.”

Folarin Balogun of USA, Amar Dedic of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the World Cup match between USA v Bosnia and Herzegovina at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on July 1, 2026 in San Francisco Bay Area United States. (Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images)

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The U.S. reached the semifinals in 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 extra knockout stage.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.