Bosnia beats Qatar to keep World Cup dream alive

Needing a win to have any realistic chance of reaching the expanded 32-team knockout stage, Sergej Barbarez's side produced its most convincing display of the tournament at Seattle's Lumen Field.

Bosnia controlled much of the opening half and was rewarded in the 29th minute when Alajbegovic broke the deadlock with a superb long-range strike. The lead doubled just minutes later after a Qatar defensive error resulted in an own goal by Albrake, putting the European side firmly in control.

Qatar responded before halftime through captain Hassan Al Haydos, whose goal reduced the deficit and briefly reignited his team's hopes. However, Bosnia weathered the pressure after the break and continued to create the better chances despite difficult playing conditions, with high temperatures forcing multiple hydration breaks and leaving several players struggling with cramps.

Mahmic sealed the victory in the 80th minute, finishing off a well-worked attack to restore Bosnia's two-goal cushion and ensure there would be no late comeback.

The match also marked a significant personal milestone for captain Edin Dzeko, who made his 150th appearance for Bosnia and Herzegovina, further cementing his place among the country's greatest footballers.

Bosnia finished the group stage with four points after drawing with Canada, losing to Switzerland and defeating Qatar. Whether that will be enough to progress to the Round of 32 depends on results in the remaining groups and the ranking of the tournament's best third-placed teams under the expanded World Cup format.

For Qatar, the defeat brought an end to its World Cup campaign after collecting just one point from three matches.