SEATTLE — Qatar crashed out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after suffering a 3-1 defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in their final Group B match on Wednesday, ending their campaign with just one point.
Karim Alajbegovic opened the scoring for Bosnia before Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada scored an own goal, with substitute Ermin Mahmic adding a late third. Hassan Al Haydos scored Qatar’s only goal.
The defeat left Qatar bottom of Group B with one point after opening the tournament with a 1-1 draw against Switzerland before suffering consecutive defeats against Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Bosnia and Herzegovina moved to four points and kept alive their hopes of reaching the round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams.
In the group’s other match, Switzerland defeated Canada 2-1 to finish top of the standings with seven points, while Canada advanced as runners-up with four points, edging Bosnia on goal difference.
Bosnia started strongly and threatened early through Ermedin Demirovic and Ivan Sunjic, but Abunada made two important saves to keep Qatar level.
The breakthrough came in the 29th minute when Alajbegovic unleashed a powerful strike from outside the penalty area that flew into the top corner.
Bosnia doubled its advantage five minutes later after Abunada accidentally diverted a dangerous cross into his own net while attempting to clear the ball.
Qatar reduced the deficit in the 42nd minute when Hassan Al Haydos converted Edmilson Junior’s pass from close range to give the hosts hope before halftime.
Pedro Miguel nearly equalized in first-half stoppage time, but his effort struck the post.
Qatar pushed forward after the break and created several opportunities, with Akram Afif going close, but the finishing touch continued to elude the Asian champions.
Bosnia remained organized defensively and relied on counterattacks before Mahmic sealed the victory in the 80th minute, converting from close range following a corner kick.
The result ensured Bosnia remained in contention for qualification, while Qatar exited the tournament in the group stage after collecting just one point from three matches.
Source: Saudi Gazette