Bosnia knocked Qatar out of the World Cup with a 3-1 win to keep their hopes of elimination alive
Bosnia and Herzegovina kept alive their hopes of advancing to the round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 3-1 win over Qatar in Seattle on Wednesday (June 24). The loss meant the two-time Asian champions were knocked out of the competition and continued their quest for their first World Cup win.
Goals from Kareem Alajbegovic and Ermin Mahmic either side of an own goal from Sultan Al-Brake were enough for Bosnia as they managed to withstand Qatar’s pressure in the end. Their captain Hassan Al-Hayydos scored a consolation goal for the Asian giants.
Bosnia finished Group B matches with four points from three games and in third place. With the top eight third-placed teams advancing to the round of 32, Bosnia will now be dreaming of getting out of the group stage for the first time in their history.
ALAJBEGOVIC ANNOUNCES HIMSELF ON THE BIG STAGE
With Edin Dzeko making his 150th appearance, much was expected of him in a must-win clash. However, Alajbeogivc was in the spotlight. Touted as the future of Bosnian football, the 18-year-old looks comfortable on both feet. It looked like a breakthrough performance on Wednesday that will make him a target for the big teams in Europe.
The match started with Bosnia on top and Qatar goalkeeper Mahmud Abunada made two important saves early on. Qatar did make a few attacks, but it was all Bosnia at that point before Alajbegovic got his way.
The youngster cut in from the left and danced past several defenders before launching a rocket from outside the box that flew past the Qatari goalkeeper in the 29th minute.
Five minutes later, Džeko got involved and forced Katar into a mistake. A cross found the veteran and his half volley was converted by Sultan to put Bosnia in full control.
Džeko almost made it 3-0 when his shot went wide of the post. That flipped a switch for Qatar as they began to attack far more and put Bosnia under pressure.
Qatar got a lifeline in the 42nd minute when the reward for pushing higher arrived when Edmilson Junior cut the ball in from the left and captain Hassan Al-Haydos fired home from close range.
Then it was time for them to hit the post as right back Miguel’s effort was inches away from making it 2-2.
BOSNIA HOLD UP
A chance for second place was mathematically possible for Bosnia, but they needed seven or more goals in the match after Switzerland took the lead against Canada in the second leg.
That ambition seemed non-existent in Bosnia’s ranks as they defended resolutely and kept Qatar’s high-intensity football at bay.
The Asian champions continued to probe and went close when Afif’s shot hit the side netting. Bosna was still happy to sit down and went for the counter to finish the job.
To his fury, Džeko was taken off, but the plan seemed to be to finish the match with all three points. But there was still an eye on the goal.
They got a chance in the 83rd minute and Mahmic took it and fired past the Qatar keeper who needed to improve.
Qatar pushed on, having all their players in the opponent’s half, but their luck and accuracy seemed to desert them at that point. Soon, Qatar’s defiance was over as they remained winless in the World Cup.
The waiting game now begins for Bosnia. They will have to rely on results from the other matches in the remaining groups to determine whether they finish in one of the eight places.
Right now, they are at the top of the team standings in third place.
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Published on:
Jun 25, 2026 03:12 IST