Bosnia and Herzegovina v Qatar: World Cup 2026 line-ups, stats and preview, TV channel, live online stream and prediction

Bosnia-Herzegovina and Qatar meet in Seattle on Wednesday knowing that only victory will realistically keep their hopes of reaching the World Cup 2026 knockout stages alive.

Both nations have collected just one point from their opening two Group B fixtures, leaving them outside the qualification places heading into the final round of group matches.

Bosnia-Herzegovina began their campaign with a respectable 1-1 draw against Canada but suffered a heavy setback in their second outing, falling to a 4-1 defeat against Switzerland.

That result leaves Sergej Barbarez’s side third in Group B with one point, three behind both Canada and Switzerland. The Dragons therefore require a victory and favourable results elsewhere if they are to have any chance of progressing to the round of 32.

Qatar find themselves in a similar position after taking a point from a 1-1 draw against Switzerland before suffering a crushing 6-0 defeat to Canada.

The Maroons were reduced to nine men during that contest and struggled badly throughout, leaving serious questions about their defensive resilience heading into a must-win encounter.

World Cup 2026: Bosnia and Herzegovina v Qatar team news

Bosnia-Herzegovina will be without suspended defender Tarik Muharemovic after his red card in the defeat to Switzerland.

Dennis Hadzikadunic is expected to come into the centre of defence alongside Nikola Katic, while captain Edin Dzeko should continue to lead the attack despite a difficult outing in the previous match.

Ermedin Demirovic is likely to partner Dzeko in the final third, with Benjamin Tahirovic and Ivan Sunjic operating in midfield.

Qatar also have suspension issues following their defeat to Canada.

Homam Ahmed and Assim Madibo were both sent off and will miss the clash, forcing changes at both ends of the pitch. Sultan Al Brake is expected to replace Ahmed in defence, while Karim Boudiaf should come into midfield.

Akram Afif remains Qatar’s key creative threat, while Edmilson Junior is expected to retain his place in attack as he searches for his first international goal.

Bosnia and Herzegovina v Qatar World Cup predicted line-ups

Bosnia-Herzegovina starting XI: Vasilj; Dedic, Katic, Hadzikadunic, Kolasinac; Alajbegovic, Sunjic, Tahirovic, Memic; Dzeko, Demirovic

Qatar starting XI: Abunada; Al Oui, Khoukhi, Miguel, Al Brake; Laye, Gaber, Boudiaf; Edmilson, Abdurisag, Afif

Where to watch Bosnia and Herzegovina v Qatar: TV channel, live online streams

Kick-off on Wednesday is at 20:00 BST (15:00 ET / 12:00 PT). In the UK, live coverage is on ITV4.

Stream is available via ITV’s website and ITVX app, which is available on a vast variety of devices for viewing on the go.

World Cup 2026: Bosnia and Herzegovina v Qatar stats

• Bosnia and Herzegovina have scored in all 12 of their matches since the start of qualifying, with the result against Switzerland their only loss in 10 games (W2 D7, including friendlies) since a 2-1 home defeat to Austria in September 2025
• They have lost one of their last 12 competitive international matches (W5 D6), having been beaten in 12 of their preceding 15 competitive games (W2 D1)
• Edin Dzeko is the second-oldest outfield player ever to feature at the finals, behind Cameroon’s Roger Milla, who was 42 years and 39 days of age at the 1994 finals in the USA
• The former Manchester City targetman is his country’s 144-cap all-time leading appearance-maker and 73-goal record scorer, netting six times during qualifying
• Sergej Barbaraz did not win any of his first eight matches in charge but guided his side through their first successful play-off campaign for a major tournament at the sixth attempt
• Qatar finished bottom of their group on their World Cup debut as hosts in 2022, losing all three of their matches, conceding seven goals and scoring once
• They had the top scorer and top assist provider in AFC qualifying (Almoez Ali with 12 goals, Akram Afif with 11 assists)
• Among sides to have played at least 10 games in the 2026 AFC World Cup qualifiers, Qatar’s games produced more goals per game than any other side (3.61). Of AFC sides to reach the World Cup, Qatar lost more games than any other nation (5)
• Ali is Qatar’s record marksman with 55 goals in 114 appearances but has not netted since scoring against Oman in December 2024
• Julen Lopetegui is the second Spanish coach to lead Qatar at the finals, after Felix Sanchez in 2022. The last six Qatar coaches have been from the Iberian peninsula (4 from Spain, 2 from Portugal)

World Cup 2026: Bosnia and Herzegovina v Qatar prediction

This is likely to be a tense and closely contested encounter given what is at stake for both teams.

Qatar’s heavy defeat to Canada exposed significant defensive weaknesses, while Bosnia-Herzegovina possess greater experience and attacking quality through players such as Dzeko and Demirovic.

Expect a competitive match, but the Dragons may have enough to edge it and keep their qualification hopes alive.

Prediction: Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-1 Qatar

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