Qatar 1-3 Bosnia: Alajbegovic Star Turn Ends Maroons’ World Cup Dream

Teen sensation Alajbegovic downs Qatar as Bosnia close in on last 

Bosnia and Herzegovina are on the verge of the World Cup last 32 after beating Qatar 3-1. Alajbegovic’s wondergoal, Dzeko, and Mahmic scored as Qatar exited with 1 point.

Bosnia edge closer to World Cup knockouts after 3-1 win over eliminated Qatar...

Kerim Alajbegovic’s stunning strike powered Bosnia and Herzegovina to a 3-1 victory over Qatar. The result put the Europeans on four points in Group B, securing third place and putting them on the brink of a spot in the FIFA World Cup knockout rounds.

It was a sweltering afternoon in Seattle, and the breakthrough came from youthful brilliance. Alajbegovic announced himself as the Emerald City’s newest star, curling in a sublime effort on 28 minutes that sent Bosnia’s fans into ecstasy.

The 18-year-old weaved past three defenders on the edge of the area before smashing an unstoppable shot past Mahmud Abunada in Qatar’s goal. A new star emerged, and just five minutes later 40-year-old Edin Dzeko proved he still has it. His strike was deflected into his own net by Sultan Al-Brake to make it 2-0 for Bosnia.

Qatar offered almost no threat up front, and Bosnia could’ve ended it when Džeko broke clear of their defense and smacked a shot against the inside of the post.

Qatar looked headed for another blank, but they pulled one back with their first shot on target. Edmilson Junior cut it back and Hasan Al-Haydos bundled it in from close range, becoming the first Qatar player to score at a World Cup since December 2025.

Needing a win to jump above Bosnia into third, Qatar came out on the front foot after halftime. Akram Afif had their best chance to level it, cutting into space behind the Bosnia defense before firing a shot that hit the side netting from a tight angle.

With so much on the line and the pressure mounting, the final minutes were tense. But with 10 minutes to go, Ermin Mahmić put any nerves to rest.

The ball fell to the 21-year-old amid a scramble in Qatar’s box, and for the second match running he scored off the bench. His low strike slipped under Abunada and officially ended Qatar’s 2026 World Cup run.