Bosnia and Herzegovina finishes third in 2026 World Cup group, reaches playoff

SALADIN, Iraq — Bosnia and Herzegovina qualified for the playoff round of the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday, becoming the first team to advance via the group stage after finishing third in its group. The result was secured with a 3-1 victory over Qatar in its final group match, sealed by a long-range goal from young forward Kerim Alajbegović. Bosnia and Herzegovina finished the group with four points, drawing 1-1 with Canada, losing 4-1 to Switzerland and beating Qatar 3-1. The team finished behind Canada on goal difference after the two sides ended level on points. FIFA confirmed that under the expanded 48-team format for the 2026 World Cup, the eight third-placed teams across the groups will advance to a playoff round. Bosnia and Herzegovina's appearance will mark its second World Cup after 2014. The team is awaiting confirmation of its playoff opponent, with attention focused on a potential meeting with the United States. The playoff is expected to take place in San Francisco.