Bay Area Hosts Historic World Cup Knockout Match as U.S. Advances

**SANTA CLARA, Calif.** — The San Francisco Bay Area made history Wednesday when it hosted the first U.S. men's World Cup knockout match on American soil in 32 years.

The United States defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, advancing to the round of 16 against Belgium. The match marked only the second time the U.S. men have played in a World Cup knockout round at home.

The only previous occasion came in 1994, when the U.S. hosted the tournament and reached the second round before falling 1-0 to Brazil at Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto on July 4. That Brazil team would go on to win its fourth World Cup title.

Wednesday's victory propels the U.S. to a quarterfinal matchup against Belgium on July 6 at Lumen Field in Seattle. The Belgians advanced earlier in the day with an extra-time comeback win against Senegal.

The Bay Area has been a focal point of World Cup activity, with watch parties drawing large crowds throughout the tournament. In Santa Clara, Euro Grill — a Bosnian restaurant — became a gathering spot for supporters, introducing more visitors to Bosnia's culture and history.

Ticket prices reflected the historic nature of the match, with secondary market tickets averaging between $1,340 and $1,800, while premium seating reached $3,200 to $4,500.

This is Bosnia's second World Cup appearance as an independent nation, following their debut in 2014.

Saratoga sits in Silicon Valley within the San Francisco Bay Area, roughly 50 miles south of San Francisco.