Akram Afif of Qatar reacts during the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. AFP
DOHA: Qatar were eliminated from the FIFA World Cup 2026 after a 3-1 defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina in a must-win Group B clash in Seattle on Wednesday.
Needing three points to stay alive in the tournament, Qatar fell short in their final Group B match at Seattle Stadium.
Though Qatar looked an improved side compared to their 6-0 loss to co-hosts Canada in their previous outing, Bosnia were the better side as they moved to the brink of a World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history.
Finishing third in the group with four points, Sergej Barbarez’s side have a strong chance of advancing to the Round of 32 as one of the eight best third-placed teams. Qatar finished bottom with one point after a second successive defeat.
Switzerland topped the group with seven points after edging Canada 2-1 in the simultaneous match.
Hassan Al Haydos #10 of Qatar scores his team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Qatar at Seattle Stadium on June 24, 2026 in Seattle. (Photo by Richard HEATHCOTE / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)
Bosnia started strongly and went ahead through Kerim Alajbegovic’s 29th-minute strike before an own goal by Sultan Al Brake in the 34th minute extended their lead.
Veteran Hassan Al Haydos reduced the deficit in the 43rd minute, but with Qatar unable to produce the required response, Ermin Mahmic’s 80th-minute goal sealed victory for Bosnia.
For Julen Lopetegui’s side, their first-ever World Cup point — a 1-1 draw against Switzerland — remained their standout moment of the tournament.
In the decisive match, Qatar made several changes to their starting line-up, with Al-Haydos replacing Yousef Abdurisag and captaining the side.
Issa Laye and Karim Boudiaf were brought into midfield, while Ahmed Fathy and Sultan Al Brake started in place of the suspended duo of Assim Madibo and Homam Al-Amin.
Bosnia started on the front foot, pressing from the outset.
Mahmoud Abunada was called into action shortly after kick-off, blocking a shot from Ermedin Demirovic from outside the box. The Qatar goalkeeper was tested again soon after, making a left-sided save to deny Ivan Šunjić from distance.
Ivan Bašić also tried his luck from range, sending his effort over the bar as both sides pressed high.
Bosnia broke the deadlock shortly after the hydration break, rewarded for sustained pressure.
Kerim Alajbegovic produced a fine solo effort, dribbling past the Qatar back line before firing into the top-right corner from outside the box, leaving Abunada with no chance.
Sergej Barbarez’s side maintained the momentum and doubled their lead five minutes later.
Edin Džeko, earning his 150th cap for Bosnia, attempted a lobbed cross from the right side of the box that took a deflection off Al Brake and found its way into the net. Džeko later went close himself after latching onto a long through ball, but his low effort struck the right post.
Qatar had a rare chance when Al-Haydos failed to connect with a cross from the centre of the box. However, the captain made amends soon after, calmly tapping in from close range after a precise cross from Edmilson Junior, with the move initiated by Akram Afif.
Qatar grew into the contest after reducing the deficit and should have equalised in first-half stoppage time, but Pedro Miguel struck the post from the right side of the box with only Nikola Vasilj to beat after being set up by a clever short pass from Afif.
Qatar made a change at the break, bringing on Abdelaziz Hatem for Jassem Gaber. In the 56th minute, Al-Haydos was replaced by Ahmed Al Janehi as Lopetegui looked for a response.
Afif hit the side-netting from a tight angle after a pass from Edmilson Junior on the left, before firing another effort over from distance.
Despite increased pressure and winning back-to-back corners, Qatar were unable to find a breakthrough.
Looking for goals, Lopetegui introduced striker Almoez Ali, who made his first appearance of the tournament, replacing Karim Boudiaf after the hydration break.
With Qatar struggling to apply sustained pressure, Lopetegui also sent on forward Ahmed Alaaeldin.
Bosnia, however, looked to extend their advantage, with Abunada denying Stjepan Radeljic and Bašić.
Mahmic, who came off the bench for Džeko, put the game to bed with a finish from the centre of the box following a corner, with the final whistle sparking celebrations.
