Bosnia and Herzegovina kept their hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage alive with a 3-1 victory over Qatar in their final Group B match, while Qatar’s campaign ended without a point.
Needing a win to stay in contention, Bosnia produced an energetic display in Seattle and were rewarded midway through the first half. Teenager Kerim Alajbegovic lit up the match with a stunning solo effort in the 29th minute, weaving past defenders before firing an unstoppable shot into the top corner from outside the box.
The momentum stayed with Bosnia, who doubled their advantage five minutes later. Captain Edin Dzeko, making his 150th international appearance, drove the attack before his dangerous delivery was turned into the net by Qatar defender Sultan Al-Brake, with the own goal officially credited to goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada.
Dzeko came close to extending the lead again when his effort struck the post, but Qatar responded before the break. Veteran forward Hassan Al-Haydos finished from close range in the 42nd minute to cut the deficit and give his side renewed hope heading into halftime.
Qatar pressed after the restart in search of an equaliser but struggled to create clear chances against a disciplined Bosnian defence. The decisive moment arrived 10 minutes from time when substitute Ermin Mahmic finished confidently to restore Bosnia’s two-goal cushion and seal a crucial victory.
The result lifted Bosnia and Herzegovina to four points and third place in Group B, leaving them in a strong position to qualify as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams. Depending on results elsewhere, they could advance to the last 32 for the first time in their history.