Bosnia edge Qatar to keep World Cup hopes alive

Bosnia-Herzegovina’s 3-1 victory over Qatar in Washington did more than secure their first World Cup win in 12 years—it kept their historic first knockout-stage appearance alive. The result, sealed by goals from Kerim Alajbegovic, an own goal, and Ermin Mahmic, leaves Bosnia third in Group B and reliant on others to advance. With the expanded 2026 format offering four knockout spots per group, Bosnia now need only to watch as other results unfold.

Third place is now within reach

Bosnia finished level on points with Canada in second but were consigned to third due to head-to-head rules. Their goal difference and goals scored—boosted by three goals against Qatar—now position them among the best third-place teams. The expanded format’s tiebreakers mean Bosnia’s attacking output could prove decisive if other groups deliver tight contests. A last-32 tie with the USA in Santa Clara now looks the most likely scenario, though Germany remains a potential opponent depending on Group A’s outcome.

Qatar’s elimination was confirmed by Bosnia’s control, though Hassan Al Haidos pulled one back just before half-time. The visitors’ late strike against the post was their closest response, a moment that underscored Bosnia’s dominance. The win also ended a 12-year winless streak in World Cup group stages, a drought that had shadowed the nation since their debut in 2014.

Alajbegovic’s breakthrough moment

Kerim Alajbegovic announced himself on the biggest stage at 18 years old, becoming Bosnia’s youngest-ever World Cup player. His 29th-minute strike—a 20-yard rocket past goalkeeper Mahmud Abunada—was the standout moment of the match. The teenager, re-signed by Bayer Leverkusen in March for €8m, had already proven his clutch credentials by scoring decisive penalties in playoff wins over Wales and Italy.

Edin Dzeko, playing his 150th international, nearly doubled Bosnia’s lead when his volley clipped the post, but the damage was already done. Alajbegovic’s composure under pressure, after coming off the bench in earlier playoff triumphs, suggests a player ready for the rigours of European football. “If you see a boy like that in the two most important games of his career so far, it means that this boy has something and quality,” Dzeko said before the tournament.

What comes next?

Bosnia’s path hinges on results elsewhere. A win for Canada over Portugal would eliminate Bosnia, while a draw could still leave them vulnerable if other third-place teams outscore them. The group’s dynamics mean Bosnia must hope for a scenario where their goal difference and goals scored carry them through. Turkey’s clash with the USA may not directly impact Bosnia, but every result in Groups A and B will shape the knockout picture.

The win over Qatar was never just about three points—it was about momentum. Bosnia showed resilience, with Sunjic’s recovery run and Basic’s control in midfield key to stifling Qatar’s attacks. The side’s ability to grind out results, even when not at their best, could be the difference in the coming days. Whether they face the USA or Germany, Bosnia will arrive as a team with something to prove—and a teenager with everything to gain.

For now, the celebrations in Washington are justified. But the final whistle in Santa Clara—or elsewhere—will decide whether Bosnia’s first knockout-stage appearance becomes reality.