Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Qatar: prediction & betting odds 24 June 2026

Form and Line-up Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina spent a long time stubbornly holding off Switzerland, the favourites who had complete control of the initiative. The opponents managed to break through the defensive lines only in the 74th minute, and the red card for a centre-back soon afterwards finally ended the intrigue. After going down to 10 men in the 80th minute, the team fell apart and conceded three more times right at the end of the match (1:4), while Ermin Mahmic scored the only consolation goal in stoppage time.

The main loss before the decisive round is the suspended Tarik Muharemovic, which means the coaching staff will have to reshape the centre of defence. Bosnia and Herzegovina's football is fairly simple and vertical, but against their current opponents that directness could deliver maximum results, especially with the experienced and imposing striker Edin Dzeko ready to fight for balls up front.

Key numbers:

• In the match against Switzerland, Bosnia and Herzegovina allowed 13 shots on their goal, seven of which were on target.

• Across their first two games, Bosnia and Herzegovina took only seven corners, focusing on quick vertical passes rather than build-up play.

• Bosnia and Herzegovina players have received five yellow cards and one red card in two rounds.

Probable Bosnia and Herzegovina line-up

(4-4-2): Nikola Vasilj — Amar Dedic, Nikola Katic, Denis Hadzikadunic, Sead Kolasinac — Amar Memic, Ivan Sunjic, Benjamin Tahirovic, Kerim Alajbegovic — Ermedin Demirovic, Edin Dzeko.

Absentees: Tarik Muharemovic (suspension).

Form and Line-up Qatar

Qatar leave a depressing impression and look completely unsuited to the level of the World Cup, despite their status as one of Asia's strongest national teams. After a surprise draw in the opening round, the team were steamrollered by Canada, losing 0:6, even though the North Americans had never previously won at a World Cup. Qatar finished the match with nine men after two justified red cards — in one of the incidents, Assim Madibo inflicted an extremely serious injury on an opponent, literally breaking his leg. Given that almost all the players, except one, represent the domestic league and lack serious European experience, the loss of their first-choice right-back and central midfielder through suspension will be a catastrophe for them.

Key numbers:

• In the previous round, Qatar allowed Canada to take 32 shots on their goal and conceded 19 corners.

• Across their two matches so far, the team have allowed opponents to create a total of 12 clear-cut scoring chances near their goal.

• In the previous two rounds, Qatar averaged 26% possession.

Probable Qatar line-up

(4-3-3): Mahmoud Abunada — Ayoub Al-Oui, Pedro Miguel, Boualem Khoukhi, Lucas Mendes — Jassim Gaber, Abdulaziz Hatem, Issa Laye — Edmilson Junior, Yusuf Abdurisag, Akram Afif.

Absentees: Homam Ahmed, Assim Madibo (suspensions).

Who will referee the match

Jesús Valenzuela (Venezuela)

Matches – 12 (International matches, 2025-2026);

Average fouls per match – 25;

Average Y/C per match (including second yellows) – 3;

Matches with R/C – 4 out of 12;

Matches with penalties – 5 out of 12.