Seattle: Bosnia-Herzegovina have kept their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign alive with a clinical 3-1 victory over Qatar at the Seattle Stadium, securing a crucial third-placed finish in Group B.

Heading into the final matchday of the group stage, both nations sat on just a single point at the bottom of the table. A victory was paramount for both sides to retain any hope of progressing to the round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams. Ultimately, it was the European side that rose to the occasion, snapping a frustrating six-match winless competitive streak.

The encounter burst into life shortly after the first-half hydration break. In the 29th minute, Kerim Alajbegović broke the deadlock in spectacular fashion. Alajbegović curled a sensational long-range effort cleanly past the outstretched arms of Qatari goalkeeper Mahmud Abunada to make it 1-0.

Bosnia-Herzegovina doubled their advantage just five minutes later through a stroke of good fortune. Veteran forward Edin Džeko whipped a dangerous cross into the penalty area, which took a heavy deflection off Qatari defender Sultan Al-Brake and ended up in the back of the net for an own goal in the 34th minute.

Qatar, however, refused to capitulate. In the 42nd minute, Al-Brake turned provider to redeem his earlier misfortune, crossing precisely for captain Hassan Al-Haydos to finish from close range and reduce the deficit. The West Asian side nearly found a dramatic equaliser just before the interval, when Pedro Miguel unleashed a powerful strike that rattled the post.

The second half proved to be a cagey, tactical affair as Qatar pushed forward to save their tournament. However, Bosnia-Herzegovina's substitutions proved decisive. In the 63rd minute, Edin Džeko was replaced by Ermin Mahmić. It turned out to be an inspired alteration; in the 80th minute, Mahmić found space to slot home a composed finish, sealing the 3-1 win before picking up a yellow card for his passionate celebrations.

With this result, Bosnia-Herzegovina finished Group B in third place with four points, keeping their knockout dreams intact while they await results from other groups. Conversely, the defeat confirms Qatar's elimination from the tournament.