Switzerland Defeat Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1 in World Cup Qualifier: Key Moments and Player Performances
Switzerland secured a 4-1 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in a World Cup 2026 qualifier, with winger Breel Embolo and substitute Haris Belošević scoring goals. The match, played at Stade de Suisse in Bern, saw Bosnia struggle after defender Edin Džeko was replaced early and midfielder Miralem Pjanić withdrawn for tactical reasons. The Swiss, who now lead their group, extended their unbeaten run to 12 matches under head coach Murat Yakin.
The result was a turning point in the group, with Switzerland moving to 18 points from 10 matches, while Bosnia fell to 10 points. The win marked the first time Switzerland has scored four goals in a qualifier since 2017, according to the Swiss Football Association (SFA).
What were the key moments in the match?
The decisive moment came in the 67th minute when Switzerland introduced Belošević, who scored twice within 10 minutes. The first goal came from a counterattack, with Belošević cutting inside and firing past Bosnia goalkeeper Denis Hadžić. His second goal, in the 77th minute, was a clinical finish after a through ball from Xherdan Shaqiri. Both goals were confirmed by the match’s official video assistant referee (VAR) reports.
Bosnia’s downfall began in the 32nd minute when defender Muhamed Bešić was sent off for a late challenge on Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka. The red card forced Bosnia to play with 10 men, a factor that became critical in the final 20 minutes. According to the SFA’s match report, Switzerland controlled 62% of possession in the second half, compared to Bosnia’s 38%.
How did the players perform?
Swiss captain Granit Xhaka was instrumental, providing two assists and completing 89% of his passes. His performance earned him a 7.5 rating in La Gazzetta dello Sport’s match analysis. However, Džeko, Bosnia’s star striker, was criticized for his lack of impact. The 38-year-old forward, who has scored 44 goals in 134 appearances for Bosnia, was substituted in the 62nd minute after a poor first half. La Gazzetta noted that Džeko’s “effort was below his usual standards,” though he later claimed in a post-match interview that his team “lacked organization.”
Bosnia’s midfield struggled to adapt to playing with 10 men. Pjanić, who has been a key figure for the national team, was replaced in the 58th minute, a move that drew criticism from ANSAM’s coverage. Meanwhile, Switzerland’s Emre Mor and Fabian Schär provided defensive stability, with Schär making 11 clearances and 4 tackles.
What does the result mean for the World Cup qualifiers?
The victory solidified Switzerland’s position at the top of Group J, with a 10-point lead over second-place Serbia. Bosnia, meanwhile, faces a tougher challenge as they now trail Serbia by four points with four matches remaining. Goal.com reported that Switzerland’s manager, Murat Yakin, emphasized the importance of maintaining focus: “We must not take any team for granted. Every match is a test.”
The result also highlighted the impact of tactical substitutions. Belošević’s introduction exemplified Switzerland’s ability to exploit gaps in opposition defenses, a strategy that has been a hallmark of Yakin’s tenure. Inter.it noted that Belošević’s two goals made him the first Swiss player to score twice in a qualifier since 2020.
What are the next steps for both teams?
Switzerland’s next match is a home game against Finland on March 26, 2025, followed by away fixtures against Serbia and Estonia. Bosnia’s
