Bosnia Beats Qatar 3-1 to Near World Cup Knockout Stage

Bosnia and Herzegovina defeated Qatar 3-1 in their final Group B match at the 2026 World Cup on June 24. The result lifted Bosnia to four points and placed the team in position to advance as one of the best third-placed sides. Kerim Alajbegovic, 18, opened the scoring with a strike from outside the area after beating two defenders. The goal made him Bosnia’s youngest-ever World Cup player.

An own goal by Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada five minutes later doubled the lead. Hassan Alhaydos pulled one back for Qatar in the 42nd minute. The 35-year-old, Qatar’s most capped player, was substituted with an injury in the 55th minute. Edin Dzeko earned his 150th international cap.

Mahmic added a third goal in the 80th minute, his second consecutive World Cup strike. Mahmic received a yellow card for removing his shirt after scoring. Coach Julen Lopetegui’s side finished the tournament without a win. Qatar exit at the group stage, just as they did four years ago when they hosted the World Cup.

Bosnia flew out of the blocks as soon as the whistle went, testing Abunada twice inside the first four minutes. First, Abunada denied Ermedin Demirovic’s fierce drive, and then he tipped away Ivan Sunjic’s shot. Dzeko’s shot took a wicked deflection off Sultan Albrake and then Abunada on its way into the net.

Dzeko later struck the post after beating the goalkeeper. Pedro Miguel hit the post for Qatar in first-half stoppage time. Esmir Bajraktarevic had a later effort turned away.