Kerim Alajbegović’s wonderstrike and Ermin Mahmić’s late clincher gave Bosnia a 3-1 victory, but their third-place finish leaves them relying on other results to reach the Round of 32
Bosnia and Herzegovina ended their Group B campaign with a convincing 3-1 victory over Qatar at Seattle Stadium, but their hopes of reaching the Round of 32 now rest on the third-place wildcard standings.
The 19-year-old Bosnian phenom Kerim Alajbegović set the stadium alight in the 29th minute, dribbling past two Qatari defenders to smash a 30-yard curler into the top corner. Bosnia doubled their lead in the 34th minute when Qatar defender Sultan Al-Brake accidentally turned in a Džeko volley for an own goal.
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Qatar pulled one back in the 42nd minute when Hassan Al-Haydos scored a clinical tap-in following a cross from Edmilson Junior. Super-sub Ermin Mahmić re-established a comfortable lead for Bosnia in the 80th minute, drilling a low shot past goalkeeper Mahmud Abunada and ripping off his shirt in celebration, earning a yellow card.
Legendary captain Edin Džeko had a chaotic night, hitting the post in the first half and showing visible frustration when subbed off in the 63rd minute. Bosnia dominated possession with 55 percent and registered 15 shots, five on target, while Qatar managed nine shots, three on target.
According to a report by Accra Street Journal, Switzerland’s simultaneous 2-1 victory over Canada meant Group B finished with Switzerland on seven points, Canada on four, Bosnia on four, and Qatar eliminated with one point. Bosnia’s third-place finish leaves them with a goal difference of -2, placing their qualification hopes in the hands of the eight best third-place teams that will fill the Round of 32 bracket.
Source: Accra Street Journal
Last Updated on June 24, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu
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Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.
