Qatar eliminated from 2026 World Cup after 3‑1 loss to Bosnia amid fan‑pay scandal

Qatar's campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup ended in the group stage with a 3‑1 defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in Seattle, United States. Bosnia scored early, with goals at the 5‑minute and 29‑minute marks, while Qatar pulled one back in the 42nd minute before Bosnia sealed the win with a third goal in the 80th minute.

An investigation by The Telegraph reported that Qatar paid between 1,000 and 2,000 people to attend matches as supporters. Packages allegedly covered hotel accommodation, match tickets, airfare, and included items such as a Qatar jersey, sunglasses, a scarf and a flag. Some of those billed as fans never entered the stadium. The scheme was said to cost each individual several thousand euros, with the total number of paid supporters rising to around 2,000 for the Bosnia match.