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Bosnia Beat Qatar 3-1 to Reach Historic First World Cup Knockout Stage

Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team secured a place in the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time in their history after defeating Qatar national football team 3-1 in their final Group B match on Wednesday.

June 25, 2026 2 min read 70 views
Bosnia Beat Qatar 3-1 to Reach Historic First World Cup Knockout Stage

The victory left Bosnia on four points, and they later advanced as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams, booking a place in the last 32. Qatar, meanwhile, exited at the group stage despite earning a point during the tournament, an improvement on their goalless campaign as hosts in 2022.

Bosnia started brightly and took the lead through 18-year-old Kerim Alajbegovic, the country's youngest-ever World Cup player. The talented winger beat two defenders before unleashing a stunning strike from outside the penalty area that gave goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada no chance.

The European side doubled their advantage shortly afterwards when veteran captain Edin Dzeko played a key role in a move that ended with the ball deflecting off Qatar players and goalkeeper Abunada into the net for an own goal.

Qatar responded before halftime through their most-capped player, Hassan Al-Haydos. The 35-year-old calmly finished in the 42nd minute to reduce the deficit and give the hosts hope.

However, Bosnia regained control late in the match. With 10 minutes remaining, Ermin Mahmic scored for the second consecutive game, poking home Bosnia's third goal before celebrating wildly with supporters.

The match also marked a milestone for Dzeko, who earned his 150th international cap and produced an influential performance, coming close to scoring himself when a powerful effort struck the post.

Qatar's hopes faded further when Al-Haydos was forced off injured in the second half, ending an emotional World Cup campaign for one of the nation's greatest-ever players.

Bosnia's victory represents a landmark achievement for the nation, as they advance beyond the group stage of a World Cup for the first time and continue their dream run into the knockout rounds.

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