Bosnia Beats Qatar 3-1 to Reach Round of 32
Photo: REUTERS
Bosnia and Herzegovina made history in Seattle, securing a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 with a 3-1 triumph over Qatar.
The Dragons, led by manager Sergej Barbarez, finished third in Group B and advanced as one of the best third-place teams.
Teenager Kerim Alajbegovic opened the scoring in the 29th minute with a brilliant solo effort, cutting inside two defenders to find the top corner. At just 18, he became his nation’s youngest-ever World Cup player.
Bosnia extended the lead five minutes later when a shot from captain Edin Dzeko, making his 150th appearance, deflected off Sultan Al-Brake and goalkeeper Mahmud Abunada for an own goal.
Qatar captain Hassan Al-Haydos pulled one back before halftime, slamming home an Edmilson Junior cross. Despite Julen Lopetegui introducing all-time record scorer Almoez Ali, Qatar could not find an equalizer.
Ermin Mahmic finalized the victory in the 82nd minute with a deflected shot. While Bosnia and Herzegovina progress to the knockout stages, Qatar exits the tournament after the group stage.
