Published June 24, 2026
Bosnia and Herzegovina defeated 2022 hosts Qatar 3-1 in their final Group B match and are on the verge of advancing to the World Cup finals for the first time.
Bosnia now have four points and are in a good position to advance to the last 32 as one of the third-placed teams to qualify for the top eight.
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Meanwhile, Qatar were eliminated in the group stage just like they were four years ago.
A goal from 18-year-old Kerim Alajbegovic, Bosnia’s youngest-ever World Cup player, and an own goal from Qatari goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada looked like Europe had taken a seat in the box.
However, Qatar’s most capped player, 35-year-old Hassan Al Haydos, scored one goal late in the first half to decide the match.
Ermin Makhmic then scored his second goal in a row in the 80th minute, putting the team ahead of Qatar.
Bosnia jumped out of the blocks as soon as the whistle blew, testing Abnada twice in the first four minutes.
First Abnada denied Elmedin Demirovic’s ferocious drive, then chipped away Ivan Sunjic’s shot.
Bosnia’s dominance was eventually rewarded, but it was not 40-year-old talisman Edin Dzeko who broke the deadlock, but a sublimely talented teenage left-winger.
After taking down two players, Abnada could do nothing against Alaibegovic, who was shouting from outside the area.
The youngster was mopped up by his teammates, and as they trotted back to the halfway line, he stood up, put a finger to his mouth, and instantly stood up to suckle.
Dzeko, who won his 150th cap, played more and more matches and did not want to lose momentum to the new players on the block, but he played a key role in the second half after five minutes.
His shot hit Al Brake and deflected wide, allowing Abunada to slot into the goal.
Dzeko was doing well and broke through after a few minutes, his shot beating Abu Nada but hitting the post and rebounding.
Bosnia’s earlier cheerfulness diminished in the heat, but it was Qatari soccer great Al-Hydos who rewarded coach Julen Lopetegui’s faith with a goal in the 42nd minute.
The Bosnian defense failed to learn from that and were left to thank for being in front of the far post when Pedro Miguel’s shot was spilled.
Al-Haydos’ World Cup, and perhaps his glittering international career, ended in tears when he was injured in the 55th minute and left the pitch with a dejected gait.
There were few chances as Esmir came in from the right and almost emulated Alaybegovic’s shot, but Abunada converted it into a corner.
The Bosnian’s frustration was replaced by ecstasy as Makhmiku forced the ball home. The scorer tore his shirt in celebration, but little did the 21-year-old realize he was being singled out for it.
