Bosnia and Herzegovina and Qatar are still in the race for a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage. A victory for either side will keep their hopes alive for the Round of 32. This clash will be a do-or-die for both sides, making this one of the most important Group B matches of the tournament so far.
Bosnia-Herzegovina currently holds the third place in Group B, while Qatar is sitting in the fourth spot. Both teams have one point each from their first two matches at the competition.
Quick Match Details
Tournament: FIFA World Cup 2026
Stage: Group Stage (Group B)
Date: June 24, 2026 (June 25 IST)
Kick-off Time: 12:00 PM Local / 7:00 PM GMT / 12:30 AM IST (June 25)
Venue: Seattle Stadium, Washington, United States.
Match Preview and Current Form
Switzerland
Bosnia-Herzegovina showcased an impressive performance against Canada in their FIFA World Cup 2026 opening match. The match between Bosnia-Herzegovina and Canada ended in a 1-1 draw, but they suffered a huge setback against Switzerland, losing 4-1, which left them with just one point from two games.
Read More
Bosnia and Herzegovina sits third in Group B standings with just one point from two matches. They trail both Switzerland and Canada by three points, with Canada sitting at the top of the group on goal difference.
The qualification equation looks simple, but it’s going to be challenging – Bosnia and Herzegovina must defeat Qatar, hope Switzerland to win against Canada, and then finish ahead of Canada on overall goal difference to secure second place and a spot in the Round of 32.
A defeat, however, would end their World Cup campaign, making this a must-win clash for the Dragons.
History isn’t exactly on their side either. Bosnia and Herzegovina have faced Qatar only twice before, both in international friendlies, and are still searching for their first win after one draw and one defeat.
World Cup form: D-L
Qatar
Qatar also started their World campaign on a similar note to Bosnia and Herzegovina. They began with a respectable 1-1 draw against Switzerland but were completely outplayed in their second match, suffering a crushing 6-0 defeat to Canada.
Read More
Despite that heavy loss, Qatar still has a slim chance of reaching the Round of 32. To qualify for the knockout stage, they must beat Bosnia and Herzegovina, hope Canada defeats Switzerland, and finish ahead of Switzerland on goal difference.
Anything other than a win, however, will send the Maroons crashing out of the tournament, marking another group-stage exit after their disappointing campaign in 2022.
Things were made even worse against Canada as Qatar finished the game with just nine men. Their overall display raised serious concerns, and they now face a Bosnia and Herzegovina side that will see this as a golden opportunity to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
World Cup form: D-L
Team news and Injury Updates
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia will be without centre-back Tarik Muharemovic, who has been suspended after receiving a red card in the 80th minute against Switzerland for a foul on Breel Embolo. His unavailability will force a reshuffle where Dennis Hadzikadunic or Nihad Mujakic is expected to partner Nikola Katic in central defence, with Amar Dedic and Sead Kolasinac at full-back.
Nidal Celik remains sidelined through injury, but no other absence or injury updates are reported. Veteran captain Edin Dzeko (40), Bosnia’s all-time leading scorer, is set to start after being rested in the opener and playing around an hour against Switzerland.
Qatar
Qatar will head into the match without the two key players, who have been suspended following their 6-0 defeat to Canada – defender Homam Ahmed and midfielder Assim Madibo. These absences compound defensive and midfield issues for manager Julen Lopetegui, with replacements likely including Sultan Al Brake at left-back and options such as Ahmed Fathy, Karim Boudiaf, Jassem Gaber or Issa Laye in midfield. No other major injuries are reported. The squad will lean on experienced players like Akram Afif, Boualem Khoukhi, Pedro Miguel, Edmilson Junior, and Almoez Ali
Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Qatar Probable starting XI
Bosnia and Herzegovina Probable starting XI
Goalkeeper: Nikola Vasilj
Defenders: Amar Dedić, Nikola Katić, Nihad Mujakić, Sead Kolašinac
Midfielders: Amar Memić, Benjamin Tahirović, Ivan Šunjić, Kerim Alajbegović
Forwards/Attackers: Ermedin Demirović, Edin Džeko
[Note: Tarik Muharemovic got a red card, which means he is suspended for the match]
Qatar Probable starting XI
Goalkeeper: Mahmud Abunada
Defenders: Ayoub Al Oui, Pedro Miguel, Boualem Khoukhi, Sultan Al Brake
Midfielders: Ahmed Fathi, Jassem Gaber, Issa Laye
Forwards/Attackers: Edmílson Junior, Almoez Ali, Akram Afif
[Note: Qatar will be without the service of Assim Madibo and Homam Elamin after both players got red cards in the previous match]
Also Read: Switzerland vs Canada Prediction, Preview, Team News and Expected Lineups
