By Dwayne Ferreira.
Teenager Kerim Alajbegović inspires Bosnia to a 3-1 win over Qatar.
Bosnia and Herzegovina moved to the brink of a first World Cup knockout appearance after teenage star Kerim Alajbegović inspired a 3-1 victory that eliminated Qatar from Group B.
Bosnia entered the final group match with one point after drawing with Canada and losing 4-1 to Switzerland. Qatar also had one point but carried the damage of a 6-0 defeat by Canada, meaning both teams required victory in Seattle to retain a realistic chance of progressing among the eight best third-placed sides.
Sergej Barbarez’s team began with greater urgency and repeatedly tested Qatar goalkeeper Mahmud Abunada. The breakthrough arrived in the 29th minute when 18-year-old Alajbegović collected possession near the edge of the area, moved through two challenges and fired an unstoppable shot beyond the goalkeeper.
Bosnia doubled their lead five minutes later. Captain Edin Džeko, making his 150th international appearance, attacked from the left side and drove the ball across goal. It took a decisive deflection off Sultan Al-Brake and was credited as an own goal, leaving Qatar in serious danger of a third group-stage defeat.
Džeko nearly added another when he struck the post, but Qatar found a route back into the match before halftime. Hassan Al-Haydos, restored to the starting line-up, finished in the 42nd minute to reduce the deficit and give Julen Lopetegui’s side hope of a comeback.
Qatar carried more ambition into the second half and attempted to force Bosnia backwards. Pedro Miguel hit the woodwork during their strongest spell, but the equaliser never arrived. Bosnia defended the central areas with increasing discipline and waited for opportunities to break against a side required to take greater risks.
The decisive third goal came in the 82nd minute. Qatar initially survived a powerful effort, but substitute Ermin Mahmić stayed alert during the penalty-area scramble and converted the loose ball. His emotional, shirtless celebration brought a yellow card but also released the tension among thousands of Bosnia supporters.
Alajbegović was the game’s defining performer. His opening goal displayed confidence far beyond his age and underlined the generational transition taking place around Džeko, whose experience and leadership remained central on a landmark international appearance. Mahmić’s late contribution then ensured Bosnia would not be caught.
Qatar finished bottom of Group B and were eliminated after collecting one point from three matches. Their response after falling two goals behind showed character, but defensive errors and missed opportunities again proved costly during only their second World Cup campaign.
Bosnia finished third with four points, behind Switzerland and Canada, and placed themselves in a strong position to qualify for the round of 32. Their next match cannot be confirmed until the rankings of all 12 third-placed teams are settled, but the victory has brought a potential first knockout appearance within reach.
The official scoring record, Džeko’s milestone and Bosnia’s qualification position were confirmed through FIFA, Reuters and AP reporting.
MATCH SUMMARY
Bosnia and Herzegovina – 3
Kerim Alajbegović 29’
Sultan Al-Brake 34’ own goal
Ermin Mahmić 82’
Qatar – 1
Hassan Al-Haydos 42’
Result: Bosnia and Herzegovina won 3-1
Player of the Match: Kerim Alajbegović, editorial selection
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026, Group B
Venue: Seattle Stadium, Seattle, Washington
Date: June 24, 2026
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