Bosnia-Herzegovina keeps World Cup hopes alive after beating Qatar

Bosnia-Herzegovina secured a 3-1 victory over Qatar in Seattle, concluding their 2026 World Cup campaign in third place in Group B. The win, however, leaves their hopes of advancing to the knockout stage dependent on the outcomes of other group matches.

The match was crucial for both teams, with each entering the game holding only one point. Bosnia-Herzegovina secured their win through goals from Kerim Alajbegoci in the 29th minute, an own goal by Mahmud Abunada in the 34th, and a late strike from Ermin Mahmic in the 80th minute. Hassan Al Haydos scored Qatar's lone goal in the 42nd minute.

With this result, Bosnia-Herzegovina finishes with 4 points, level with Canada, who secured second place and advanced due to a superior goal difference. Switzerland topped the group with 7 points. Qatar, managed by Julen Lopetegui, finished last with one point and was eliminated.

Bosnia-Herzegovina's potential advancement as one of the best third-placed teams would mark a historic achievement for the nation. Their sole prior appearance at a World Cup as an independent country, in Brazil in 2014, ended in the group stage despite a final-day win.