Bosnia qualifies to World Cup 2026 playoff final!
The national team of Bosnia and Herzegovina defeated Wales at the Cardiff City Stadium after a penalty shootout, 5–3 (1–1 after regular time, 0–0 at halftime), in the playoff semifinal for qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The “Dragons” will host Italy on Tuesday at Bilinо Polje Stadium, CE Report informs citing the Bosnia and Herzegovina Football Federation's official website.
Wales had more possession in the first 45 minutes, and the first real chance came in the 22nd minute when Harry Wilson struck the post from 15 meters. The same player tried again in the 40th minute from a free kick, but goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj reacted well.
Wales took the lead in the 51st minute. Daniel James fired from 25 meters, beating Vasilj. The hosts nearly doubled their lead eight minutes later, but James hit the crossbar this time.
Bosnia and Herzegovina had a big chance in the 63rd minute: after a cross from Amar Memić, captain Edin Džeko set up Ermedin Demirović, whose header was brilliantly saved on the goal line by Karl Darlow. Darlow was again impressive in the 72nd minute, stopping a strong angled shot from Kerim Alajbegović.
In the 79th minute, Brennan Johnson shot wide, while Alajbegović missed just over the bar in the 81st minute. Bosnia equalized in the 86th minute: Alajbegović delivered a corner, and Džeko rose highest to head the ball into the net.
Extra time began with a chance for Wilson in the 94th minute, but Tarik Muharemović blocked his shot with a header. Four minutes later, Demirović missed from a good position after an assist from Haris Tabaković. The rest of extra time saw cautious play from both sides.
In the penalty shootout, Darlow saved Demirović’s attempt in the first round, while Johnson missed the target entirely in the third round. The key moment came in the fourth round when Vasilj saved a penalty from Neco Williams. Alajbegović then converted his shot to secure the victory for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In the other playoff semifinal, Italy defeated Northern Ireland 2–0.
Photo: Bosnia and Herzegovina Football Federation
