BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA ELIMINATES QATAR, ADVANCES TO KNOCKOUT STAGE

Bosnia and Herzegovina defeated Qatar in a group-stage match, securing advancement to the knockout stage for the first time in the nation's history. Ermin Mahmic scored a third goal that sealed the victory and eliminated Qatar from the tournament. According to reported analysis, Bosnia and Herzegovina's most likely opponent in the round of 32 will be the United States, with the match scheduled to take place in Santa Clara at the home stadium of the San Francisco 49ers.

Kerim Alajbegovic, an 18-year-old forward, scored what was described as the goal of the match during the first half. Alajbegovic collected a pass from Ivan Basic outside the box, moved across the field and struck a shot into the top corner from approximately 20 yards. Head coach Sergej Barbarez did not start Alajbegovic in Bosnia and Herzegovina's opening match against Canada, despite the teenager's instrumental role in the team's playoff victories over Wales and Italy, where he scored penalties in both shootout wins. Alajbegovic, who plays for Bayer Leverkusen following a €8m transfer from RB Salzburg in March, scored on his second successive start and seventh appearance for the national team.

Edin Dzeko, appearing in his 150th international cap, is Bosnia and Herzegovina's established captain and senior player. Before the tournament, Dzeko commented on Alajbegovic's potential, stating that performances in crucial matches demonstrated the teenager's quality and talent. The victory places Bosnia and Herzegovina third in their group with a realistic prospect of progressing further in the competition.