Bosnia and Herzegovina and Qatar have one last chance to fight for a spot in the next stage, although their results from the previous round of matches have made their task extremely difficult. Mathematically, both teams still have a chance to advance, but they need a win and a lot of luck.
Bosnia and Herzegovina suffered a crushing 4-1 defeat against Switzerland and currently sit in 9th place among the third-place teams from all groups. Only a victory can give them any certainty that they will advance.
Fortunately for them, on paper, they have the easiest match of the three remaining in this group, especially given Qatar’s poor form and the additional problems with suspensions following their last match.
The Maroons have already achieved more at this World Cup than at the previous one, which they hosted, having now at least earned a point—the first in the country’s history. But it seems quite possible that this point will remain their only one and that they will once again be eliminated in the group stage.
Qatar didn’t just lose; they were crushed by Canada 6-0. To make matters worse, they’ll be without two key players for their match against Bosnia—midfielder Assim Omer Madibo and left-back Homam Al Amin—both of whom received red cards. So Qatar’s problems simply seem to have no end.
How the bookies view it: Best opportunity for the Dragons
Interestingly, Qatar (56) are ranked significantly higher than Bosnia and Herzegovina (64) in the FIFA World Rankings, but the bookmakers don’t think they stand a chance in this match.
The Bosnian team has improved significantly and has recently defeated much tougher opponents, so you can now back them at 9/20. A draw is priced at 4/1, and Qatar are available at around 11/2; you can find the best markets using our best mobile apps for World Cup betting.
Recent head-to-head: Qatar are undefeated in two H2Hs
This will be the third match between the two nations, although the two previous matches were friendlies, played in 2010 and 2000. Interestingly, however, Qatar have one win in those matches, and the second match ended in a draw.
Still, Bosnia and Herzegovina may have reason to be optimistic for another reason: their only World Cup victory came against an Asian team, when they defeated Iran at the 2014 World Cup.
Players to watch: Lukic to take Bosnia to the next round
Switzerland managed to almost completely neutralize Bosnia and Herzegovina’s attack, but we don’t expect them to face the same problems in this match, given Qatar’s poor defence and the latest suspensions.
We expect Jovo Lukic to return to the starting lineup after being given only four minutes against Canada—likely to avoid the risk of him receiving a second yellow card, having already been shown one in the first group stage match.
But we can’t help but mention the goal he scored against Canada, which earned Bosnia that crucial point.
Probable line-ups
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Vasilj, Dedic, Katic, Hadzikadunic, Kolasinac, Tahirovic, Hadziahmetovic, Bajraktarevic, Demirovic, Gigovic, Lukic
Qatar: Barsham, Miguel, Mendes, Khoukhi, Ahmed, Madibo, Boudiaf, Hatem, Afif, Ali, Al-Haydos
Anything else catch the eye?
Qatar did not show that they were capable of rising to the challenge, and the point they earned against Switzerland was largely due to a lack of effectiveness on the part of the Red Crosses.
The Maroons haven’t won a match since October 2025 and are winless in eight consecutive games. We expect Bosnia to take all three points and advance in the tournament, while Qatar will be eliminated ingloriously once again.
Separately, we’ll be looking for more cards for Qatar, especially now that this is their last chance, and their defensive problems are more than serious.
GambleAware