First half belongs to Bosnia: 2-1 up over Qatar

In the final 2026 FIFA World Cup Group B match, effectively a knockout, Bosnia & Herzegovina ended the first half 2-1 up over Qatar. In this crucial meeting where the winner goes through and the loser bows out of the tournament, the European side stamped their mark on the half and went into the dressing room with the advantage.

The opening goal came in the 29th minute. After a Ivan Basic build-up, Bosnia & Herzegovina found the net through Kerim Alajbegovic to go 1-0 up. Having taken the lead, Bosnia kept up the pressure and doubled it in the 34th minute: this time the goal came from a Qatar defender, Saad Al Brake, unfortunately turning into his own net to make it 2-0. Eased by a two-goal cushion, Bosnia & Herzegovina took control of the game.

But Qatar found hope before the half was out. In the 42nd minute, with an Edmilson Junior assist, Almoez Ali (Al Haydos) sent the ball into the Bosnia net to make it 2-1 and the Asian side got back into the game. In first-half stoppage time the tempo rose; in the 45+3 minute, Pedro Miguel's effort inside the box went just wide of the left post, and Qatar could not take the equalising chance.

On the evidence of the first half, both teams fighting to advance produced clear chances, and the match promises great excitement for the second half. In this game where the losing side will bow out of the tournament, Bosnia & Herzegovina, ending the half 2-1 up, will start the second 45 minutes with the advantage. But holding a one-goal lead looks anything but easy, especially given the momentum Qatar found at the end of the first half.

Image: Yahoo Sports