Wales Eliminated from World Cup Qualifying by Bosnia in Penalty Shootout
On March 26, 2026, Wales lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a penalty shootout at Cardiff City Stadium, ending their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. The match ended 1-1 after extra time, with Daniel James scoring for Wales and Edin Džeko equalizing for Bosnia. In the shootout, Brennan Johnson and Neco Williams missed their penalties, resulting in a 4-2 defeat. This marks Wales' second consecutive penalty shootout loss in major tournament qualifying, following a similar defeat to Poland in 2024. The result means Bosnia advances to face Italy in the play-off final.
Key facts
- Wales lost 4-2 on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a World Cup qualifying play-off on March 26, 2026.
- The match at Cardiff City Stadium ended 1-1 after extra time before going to a shootout.
- Brennan Johnson and Neco Williams missed their penalty kicks for Wales.
- Bosnia and Herzegovina will face Italy in the play-off final for a spot in the 2026 World Cup.
- This was Wales' second penalty shootout loss in major tournament qualifying in two years.
Entities
Locations
- Cardiff City Stadium
- Cardiff
- Wales
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Italy