Bosnia and Herzegovina defeated Qatar 3-1 at Lumen Field in Seattle, a result that eliminated the Asian side and propelled the Europeans to third place in Group B with four points, putting them in a strong position to advance as one of the eight best third-placed teams. The victory, only their second in World Cup history, was ignited by a moment of individual brilliance from 18-year-old Kerim Alajbegovic.

Alajbegovic, born in Cologne and soon to join Bayer Leverkusen from Red Bull Salzburg, cut in from the left in the 29th minute, evaded two defenders and unleashed a rising right-footed drive that flew past goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada. The strike made him the eighth-youngest scorer in World Cup history, displacing Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal on the list. Bosnia doubled their lead five minutes later when captain Edin Dzeko, on his 150th international appearance, volleyed a cross towards goal; the ball deflected off defender Sultan Al-Brake and wrong-footed Abunada for an own goal. Dzeko then struck the post as Bosnia threatened to run away with the contest.

Qatar, coached by Julen Lopetegui, rallied before half-time. Hassan Al-Haydos, their most-capped player, turned in a low cross from Edmilson Junior in the 42nd minute, and Pedro Miguel rattled the far post in stoppage time. The Maroons pushed after the break, with Akram Afif firing into the side-netting, but Bosnia’s defence held firm. The decisive blow came in the 80th minute: substitute Ermin Mahmic, who had replaced Dzeko, pounced on a loose ball in a crowded penalty area and stabbed home his second goal in as many matches. He ripped off his shirt in celebration, earning a yellow card that will be wiped clean for the knockout stage.

Bosnia finished level on four points with Canada but behind on goal difference, while Switzerland topped the group with seven. Qatar ended bottom with a solitary point, still searching for a first World Cup win after two tournaments. For Bosnia, the wait now begins: they must monitor results across the remaining groups to learn whether their tally and minus-one goal difference will be enough to secure a last-32 berth. Coach Sergej Barbarez, who described his team as “complete underdogs,” said the achievement was “incredible” and that the young squad’s true World Cup would be the next one. Should they progress, a meeting with hosts the United States in Los Angeles looms. Qatar, meanwhile, depart with the consolation of a first World Cup point but the disappointment of another group-stage exit.