Bosnia 3-1 Qatar: Alajbegović Shines as Group B Hangs in the Balance
Bosnia secured their first win of the group stage with a 3-1 victory over Qatar at Lumen Field, thanks to a goal from Kerim Alajbegović and an own goal. They are now level on points with Canada but sit third on goal difference, setting up a decisive final matchday.
On June 25, 2026, at Lumen Field in Seattle, Bosnia and Herzegovina faced Qatar in a crucial Group B match of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Bosnia secured a 3-1 victory, their first win of the group stage, keeping their knockout hopes alive.
Bosnia broke the deadlock in the 29th minute. Midfielder Kerim Alajbegović received a pass from Ivan Bašić and calmly slotted home to make it 1-0. Just five minutes later, Qatar defender Mahmud Abunada inadvertently turned a corner into his own net, doubling Bosnia's lead to 2-0.
Qatar responded before halftime. In the 42nd minute, Edmilson Junior assisted captain Hassan Al Haydos, who pulled one back to make it 2-1 at the break.
The second half saw both sides create chances, but Bosnia sealed the win in the 80th minute. Dennis Hadžikadunić set up Ermin Mahmić, who headed home to make it 3-1. Qatar could not find a way back, and Bosnia claimed all three points.
Statistically, Bosnia had 14 total shots (5 on goal, 4 off, 5 blocked) while Qatar had 9 (3 on goal, 6 off, 0 blocked). Possession was 55% to 45% in Bosnia's favor. Both teams had 5 corners each. Expected goals (xG) were 0.64 for Bosnia and 0.77 for Qatar. Goalkeeper saves: Bosnia 2, Qatar 3. Pass accuracy: Bosnia 88% (452/516), Qatar 85% (370/434). Fouls: Bosnia 9, Qatar 14. Yellow cards: one each.
The player of the match was Bosnia's Kerim Alajbegović. The 18-year-old Red Bull Salzburg midfielder played 82 minutes, scoring 1 goal, providing 2 key passes, and completing 33 passes, earning a rating of 8. Born in Cologne, standing 186 cm tall, with a market value of €22.00m, he has 9 caps for Bosnia. His performance was instrumental in the victory.
In Group B standings, Switzerland leads with 7 points (2W 1D), Canada is second with 4 points (1W 1D 1L), Bosnia is third also with 4 points but a goal difference of -1, and Qatar is bottom with 1 point (0W 1D 2L). Bosnia and Canada are level on points, but Bosnia trails on goal difference.
For Bosnia, this win keeps their qualification hopes alive. They must beat Switzerland in the final matchday and hope Canada does not beat Qatar to advance. Qatar is already eliminated. Bosnia's next opponent is Switzerland, while Qatar faces Canada.
For more match details, visit /matches/group-b-6. Learn about Bosnia at /teams/bosnia and Qatar at /teams/qatar. Group standings are available at /groups.
Data sources: API-Football (api-sports.io) and fixturedownload.com.