World Cup 2026: Bosnia and Herzegovina in 4-4-2 against Lopetegui’s Qatar 4-3-3

The Bosnians, led by head coach Sergej Barbarez, will line up in a 4-4-2 with an XI blending experience and youth. Edin Džeko, the captain and attacking reference point, will be paired up front with Ermedin Demirović. The defence notably includes Sead Kolašinac, while the midfield quartet features Ivan Šunjić and Kerim Alajbegović.

Julen Lopetegui’s Qatar, for their part, will play in a 4-3-3 with an attacking trio made up of Hassan Al Haydos, Akram Afif and Edmilson Junior. Karim Boudiaf and Ahmed Fathi are part of the midfield three, tasked with feeding the attack and supporting a defence led by Boualem Khoukhi.

This clash between two teams in search of points carries critical stakes for the rest of the competition. Bosnia and Herzegovina and Qatar will need to rely on their experienced leaders as they try to gain the upper hand in this tactical duel.

Reading Bosnia and Herzegovina’s XI

Bosnia and Herzegovina have opted for a classic 4-4-2. Nikola Vasilj will be in goal behind a defensive line made up of Arjan Malić, Nikola Katić, Stjepan Radeljić and Sead Kolašinac. The latter, accustomed to major European clubs, brings solid experience to the back line.

In midfield, Esmir Bajraktarević lines up alongside Ivan Šunjić, Ivan Bašić and Kerim Alajbegović, a blend of maturity and freshness that will need to make the difference against a compact Qatari midfield. In attack, Edin Džeko, the iconic figure and captain, will play alongside Ermedin Demirović, forming a complementary attacking duo built around their experience and youth.

Among the substitutes, coach Sergej Barbarez can call on players such as goalkeeper Martin Zlomislić, defender Dennis Hadžikadunić and forward Jovo Lukić, offering varied options to adjust the tactical setup depending on how the match unfolds.

Reading Qatar’s XI

Julen Lopetegui has chosen an attacking 4-3-3 to try to bring Qatar’s play to life. Mahmud Abunada will be in goal, protected by a defence formed by Pedro Miguel, Boualem Khoukhi, Issa Laye and Sultan Al-Brake, with the latter tasked both with defensive responsibilities and driving play down the right flank.

The midfield trio will shape the play through Jassem Gaber Abdulsallam, Ahmed Fathi and Karim Boudiaf, balanced-profile players capable of moving the ball forward quickly. In the attacking department, Hassan Al Haydos, captain and playmaker, will be supported by Akram Afif and Edmilson Junior to create opportunities and unsettle the Bosnian defence.

On the bench, Qatar have reinforcements such as Almoez Ali, Mohammed Muntari and Ahmed Alaaeldin, who could be introduced to energise the attacking sector depending on the needs of the match against a Bosnia side organised in a 4-4-2.