FIFA Word Cup 2026: Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Qatar Live Details, Preview, Lineups
| FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 | |
| SCHEDULE | TIME |
| Match: | Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Qatar |
| Tournament: | FIFA 2026 |
| Match Date: | June 25 2026 |
| Match Time: | 12:30 a.m. Indian Time (UTC +5:30) |
| Stadium: | - |
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Preview: Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Qatar
This is one of the most important final-round group matches in Group B. Bosnia and Herzegovina began their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Canada before suffering a 4-1 defeat against Switzerland. Qatar also opened with a 1-1 draw against Switzerland, but their second match ended in a heavy 6-0 loss to Canada.
That leaves both sides in a similar position. A draw may not be enough for either team, especially with the expanded 48-team format placing extra pressure on goal difference and third-place rankings. A victory, however, would move the winner to four points and give them a realistic chance of advancing, either as Group B runner-up or as one of the best third-placed teams.
Bosnia and Herzegovina will likely look to play with intensity from the start. Coach Sergej Barbarez has indicated that his team cannot afford to sit deep, and Bosnia’s attacking quality gives them a clear route to victory. With Edin Dzeko leading the line, they have experience, aerial threat, and penalty-box presence.
Qatar, meanwhile, need a response after their difficult night against Canada. Coach Julen Lopetegui’s side will rely heavily on structure, possession, and the creativity of Akram Afif. Qatar have technical players capable of hurting Bosnia between the lines, but they must be far more disciplined defensively and sharper in the final third.
Team News
Bosnia and Herzegovina are expected to be without suspended defender Tarik Muharemovic. That could force changes in defence, with Bosnia needing balance between pushing forward and avoiding vulnerability on the counterattack.
Qatar have bigger suspension concerns after the Canada match. Homam Ahmed and Assim Madibo are unavailable, leaving Lopetegui with key gaps to fill in defence and midfield. Their absence could be crucial against a Bosnia side that will likely target physical duels and set pieces.
Predicted Lineups
Bosnia and Herzegovina Predicted XI
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Goalkeeper: Nikola Vasilj
Defenders: Amar Dedic, Nikola Katic, Stjepan Radeljic, Sead Kolasinac
Midfielders: Ivan Sunjic, Ivan Basic
Attacking Midfielders: Kerim Alajbegovic, Ermin Mahmic, Esmir Bajraktarevic
Forward: Edin Dzeko
Qatar Predicted XI
Formation: 4-3-3
Goalkeeper: Mahmud Ibrahim Abunada
Defenders: Ayoub Al Oui, Pedro Miguel, Boualem Khoukhi, Sultan Al Brake
Midfielders: Karim Boudiaf, Jassem Gaber, Gueye Seydinaissa Laye
Forwards: Edmilson Junior, Yusuf Abdurisag, Akram Afif
Confirmed lineups are expected to be announced around one hour before kick-off.
Key Players to Watch
Edin Dzeko — Bosnia and Herzegovina
Dzeko remains Bosnia’s biggest attacking reference point. His movement, strength, hold-up play, and ability to finish chances make him the player Qatar must control. In a tight match, one set piece or one accurate cross into the box could be enough for him to make the difference.
Akram Afif — Qatar
Qatar’s attacking hopes depend heavily on Afif. He is their most creative forward and their best outlet in transition. If he can find pockets of space between Bosnia’s midfield and defence, Qatar will have a route into the game.
Sead Kolasinac — Bosnia and Herzegovina
Kolasinac’s experience and physicality could be vital. He will be important defensively, but his forward runs may also help Bosnia stretch Qatar’s shape and deliver service into dangerous areas.
Karim Boudiaf — Qatar
With Qatar missing key players through suspension, Boudiaf’s role in midfield becomes even more important. He must protect the defence, keep possession moving, and help Qatar avoid being overrun by Bosnia’s direct approach.
Tactical Analysis
Bosnia and Herzegovina are expected to play with urgency. Their best route to goal is likely through wide areas, crosses, second balls, and set pieces. Dzeko gives them a natural target, while players such as Dedic and Kolasinac can provide width from deeper positions.
Qatar will likely try to slow the tempo and control possession. Lopetegui’s team must avoid turning the game into a physical battle, where Bosnia may have the edge. Instead, Qatar need to move the ball quickly, use Afif’s creativity, and exploit spaces when Bosnia commit players forward.
The opening goal could define the match. If Bosnia score first, Qatar will be forced to chase the game with a weakened defensive setup. If Qatar score first, Bosnia will have to take more risks, which could create space for Afif and Edmilson Junior on the break.
What’s at Stake?
This match could decide who keeps their World Cup dream alive. Both teams have one point, and both know that a win would take them to four points. In the expanded 2026 format, that could be enough to qualify for the Round of 32, depending on other group results and the ranking of third-placed teams.
For Bosnia and Herzegovina, victory would be a major step toward reaching the knockout phase for the first time. For Qatar, it would be historic: they are still chasing their first-ever win at a FIFA World Cup finals.
Prediction
Bosnia and Herzegovina enter the match with slightly more attacking quality and a clearer route to goal through Dzeko and set pieces. Qatar have the technical ability to cause problems, especially through Afif, but suspensions and defensive concerns make this a difficult test.
Prediction: Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-1 Qatar
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