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.
