# Bosnia-Herzegovina Advances to World Cup Knockout Stages for First Time

*Bosnia-Herzegovina has made history by reaching the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time, defeating Qatar 3-1 in their final Group B match.*

June 25, 2026 · Sports

## At a glance

- Bosnia-Herzegovina reached the World Cup knockout stages for the first time.
- They defeated Qatar 3-1 in their final Group B match.
- Bosnia advanced as one of the best eight third-placed teams.

Bosnia-Herzegovina has made history by reaching the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time, defeating Qatar 3-1 in their final Group B match. This victory marks a significant milestone for the Bosnian team, who finished with four points and advanced as one of the best eight third-placed teams. Qatar, the 2022 hosts, exit the tournament at the group stage for the second consecutive time.

## Key Moments in the Match

The match saw several pivotal moments that led to Bosnia's victory. Eighteen-year-old Kerim Alajbegovic scored Bosnia's first goal, showcasing his talent with a powerful strike from outside the area. An own goal by Qatar's goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada further extended Bosnia's lead. Despite a late first-half goal by Qatar's Hassan al-Haydos, Bosnia secured their win with a goal from Ermin Mahmic in the 80th minute.

## Historic Achievement for Bosnia

This victory is particularly significant for Bosnia-Herzegovina, as it is their first-ever advancement to the knockout stages of the World Cup. The team's performance throughout the tournament has been commendable, culminating in this historic win. Veteran player Edin Dzeko, who earned his 150th cap, played a crucial role in the match, contributing to the team's success.

## Qatar's Disappointing Exit

For Qatar, the match ended in disappointment as they failed to progress beyond the group stage for the second consecutive World Cup. Despite scoring a goal and earning a point this time, compared to none in 2022, the team's performance fell short of expectations. The exit of their most capped player, Hassan al-Haydos, injured in the second half, added to the team's woes.

## Sources

- BSS

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Source: https://pulsetoday.com.bd/en/sports/bosnia-reaches-world-cup-knockout-stages-first-time