Austria secures direct World Cup spot: Bosnia slips to play-offs after early lead

A Dream Start and a Stadium in Shock

Austria opened the decisive duel with strong pressure, pinning Bosnia and Herzegovina deep inside their half. But the early dominance meant nothing after the 12th minute.

Following chaos in the penalty area after a corner kick, the ball landed at Memić, whose low shot was redirected by Haris Tabaković straight into the net for 0:1.

Over 20,000 Bosnian supporters inside the stadium erupted. The goal not only silenced Vienna but flipped the match on its head, leaving Austria momentarily stunned.

Austria Responds, but VAR Intervenes

The home team gradually regrouped and threatened through Lienhart and Sabitzer, yet goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj produced two crucial saves to keep BiH in front.

Then came the key moment late in the first half: Laimer’s apparent equalizer in the 43rd minute had the stadium celebrating — only for VAR to rule it out due to a foul on Memić earlier in the build-up. A lifeline for the Dragons.

Second Half: Resistance, Missed Chances, and a Cruel Twist

Austria launched into the second half with full offensive force. Bosnia and Herzegovina defended desperately, while Tabaković came inches away from a second goal in the 50th minute, missing a huge chance that could have changed everything.

The pressure finally broke the Dragons in the 77th minute.

Sabitzer sent in a precise cross, Arnautović’s header rattled the crossbar, and Michael Gregoritsch reacted fastest to head in the rebound for 1:1.

Austria Celebrates, Bosnia and Herzegovina Heads to the Play-offs

The result remained unchanged, securing Austria’s first place in Group H with 19 points. Bosnia and Herzegovina finished with 17 — enough for a play-off spot, but not for direct qualification.

The Dragons delivered heart, fight, and passion in Vienna, backed by an army of supporters. But the historic dream will now have to wait until March, when the play-offs decide whether BiH will travel to the 2026 World Cup.

Possible rivals for BiH in the play-off semi-finals:

• Wales
  
• Czech Republic
  
• Slovakia
  
• Poland
  

Thursday's draw – all eyes on Zurich

The play-off draw will take place on Thursday at FIFA headquarters in Zurich , starting at 13:00 CET.
A live broadcast will be available on the official FIFA website .

Only one semi-final and one final match will be played in the play-offs, and the hosts of the final matches will also be determined by draw.