Bosnia and Herzegovina defeat Qatar 3-1 in World Cup Group B
Bosnia and Herzegovina earned their first win in the 2026 World Cup by beating Qatar 3-1, keeping their hopes of advancing to the knockout stage alive.
Match report
Bosnia started the match aggressively and nearly scored in the third minute when Ivan Šunjić's shot was saved by Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada. Ermedin Demirović and Ivan Bašić also created dangerous chances early on.
The breakthrough came in the 29th minute when Kerim Alajbegović dribbled past several defenders and fired into the top corner to make it 1-0. Five minutes later, Bosnia doubled the lead after Edin Džeko's shot was deflected into his own net by Qatar defender Sultan Al Brake (2-0).
Qatar pulled one back just before halftime – in the 42nd minute, Edmilson Junior set up Hassan Al Haidos, who scored from close range to make it 1-2. Džeko hit the post in the 39th minute.
In the second half, Qatar controlled possession and pushed for an equalizer. Akram Afif came close in the 57th minute but his shot went just wide. However, Bosnia sealed the win in the 80th minute when Ermin Mahmić scored from close range after a scramble in the box. Mahmić was booked for removing his shirt in celebration.
Group B standings
The victory puts Bosnia on three points, third in Group B behind Switzerland and Canada. Qatar remain pointless and bottom of the group, eliminated from the tournament. Bosnia now await results from other groups to see if they can advance as one of the best third-placed teams.
