Victory is crucial for Bosnia and Herzegovina and Qatar as they face their final group game on Wednesday.
Three points could propel both nations into the top two of Group B, although a significant change in goal difference is required; however, victory would all but guarantee progression, regardless of their position in the third-place group.
Both teams suffered heavy defeats on day two: Bosnia and Herzegovina were beaten 4–1 by Switzerland and nine-man Qatar thrashed co-hosts Canada 6–0. Despite the draws in the opening match, their knockout hopes remain alive.
A stalemate between the teams at Lumen Field would almost certainly eliminate them both, making an all-important win imperative.
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Predicted line-up Qatar vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Bosnia and Herzegovina have scored in both matches.
On paper, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Qatar appear evenly matched, but the European side are favored to claim their first win of the tournament and secure a spot in the knockout stages.
Sergej Barbarez has a stronger squad at his disposal, boasting physicality, aerial threat, and quality in the final third, even if Bosnia and Herzegovina are not prolific goalscorers.
The Dragons should manage to sneak over the line, either through a well-executed strategy or a moment of magic.
Bosnian Threats: Barbarez has a number of match-winners in his roster. Edin Džeko, 40, is still capable of delivering the goods, while young forwards like Kerim Alajbegović and Esmir Bajraktarević provide some burst in the wide areas. Qatar struggles: The Asian side go into Wednesday’s match in truly disappointing form. They have won just one of their last 14 matches in all competitions and even the point secured against Switzerland in the group stage was incredibly lucky.
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The Bosnia and Herzegovina squad will see changes since their heavy defeat to Switzerland.
Barbarez will be without Sassuolo centre-back Tarik Muharemović, who was sent off against Switzerland, but the 23-year-old will return for the knockout stages should his nation qualify.
After being rested due to fitness issues, Džeko started alongside Stuttgart’s Ermedin Demirović in a 4-4-2 formation last time out, and Barbarez is likely to use the forward duo again.
Dennis Hadžikadunić will replace the suspended Muharemović, while Bajraktarević could also return to the starting XI.
Predicted line-up Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Qatar (4-4-2): Vasilj; Dedić, Katić, Hadžikadunić, Kolašinac; Bajraktarević, Tahirović, Šunjić, Memić; Demirović, Džeko.
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Lopetegui will have to make at least two changes to his Qatar squad.
Qatar have two players suspended for Wednesday’s game, with both Homam Ahmed and Assim Madibo seeing red in the crushing defeat to Canada.
Ahmed, the only player on Qatar’s roster playing abroad, will be replaced by Sultan Al Brake at left-back, while veteran midfielder Ahmed Fathy could come into midfield to cover for Madibo.
The front three of Akram Afif, Edmilson Junior, and Yusuf Abdurisag will continue in the XI despite being withdrawn before the hour mark as Lopetegui restructured after red cards.
Qatar predicted line-up against Bosnia and Herzegovina (4-3-3): Abunada; Al Oui, Miguel, Khoukhi, Al Brake; Gaber, Fathy, Laye; Edmilson, Abdurisag, Afif.
Bosnia and Herzegovina prevail in the close encounter
Location: Seattle, United States Stadium: Lumen FieldDate: Wednesday, June 24 Kickoff Time: 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT / 20:00 BST Referee: Jesús Valenzuela (VEN)
Prediction: Bosnia and Herzegovina 2–1 Qatar
Country: United States
Emitter(s): Fox Sports 1, fuboTV, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, UNIVERSO, UNIVERSO NOW, TeleXitos, FOX One
Country: Canada
Emitter(s): TSN2, TSN+, RDS 2, RDS app
Country: Mexico
Emitter(s): ViX Mexico
Country: United Kingdom
Emitter(s): ITV 4, ITVX
Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Qatar score prediction
Predicted line-up Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Qatar
MORE: Complete list of worldwide broadcasters for Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Qatar
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