World Cup 2026: Bosnia and Herzegovina lead Qatar at half-time (2-1)

I. Koné: Canada · Missing Fixture · Fracture of lower leg
A. Jones: Canada · Missing Fixture

The scoreline comes as both teams are looking to revive their campaigns after difficult starts in this group, which is also dominated by Canada and Switzerland. Bosnia and Herzegovina had lost 4-1 to Switzerland, while Qatar had suffered a heavy 6-0 defeat against Canada. This match is crucial to keeping qualification hopes alive.

Bosnia and Herzegovina, playing in a 4-4-2 with Nikola Vasilj in goal, are making particular use of their midfield, with key players such as Ivan Bašić, Ivan Šunjić and Kerim Alajbegović driving the first half. Possession has been largely Bosnian (59%), with high passing accuracy (89%), reflecting their control of the game in Qatar’s half.

In response, Qatar, set up in a 4-3-3 under Julen Lopetegui, have struggled to pose an attacking threat, failing to register a shot on target by half-time and relying on solid defensive work. Goalkeeper Mahmud Abunada has been called into action twice, notably to stop Bosnian attempts.

Both teams have had players sent off in the competition, with three players unavailable, including T. Muharemović for Bosnia and Herzegovina and Homam Ahmed and Assim Madibo for Qatar. That factor could influence the rest of the match as the teams adjust their strategies during the break.