Bosnia led for an hour but have to settle for playoffs
Spain and Switzerland held but qualify, as do Belgium
Austria qualified for the 2026 World Cup after snatching a 77th-minute equaliser through Michael Gregoritsch against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Vienna to earn a 1-1 draw and top Group H. It will be Austria’s first appearance at a World Cup finals tournament since 1998.
Bosnia finished second in the group, two points behind on 17, and go into a playoff in March for a spot at the finals tournament, which will be co-hosted next year by Mexico, the US and Canada.
Needing a win to top the group and secure automatic qualification to their second World Cup tournament after their maiden appearance in 2014, Bosnia stunned the home crowd when Haris Tabakovic headed in from close range to give them a 12th-minute lead. The forward has now scored in each of their last three qualifiers, including in the 3-1 win against Romania on Saturday.
