Late Drama Seals Austria's World Cup Return
A dramatic late equaliser from Michael Gregoritsch secured Austria's qualification for the 2026 World Cup, ending their 28-year absence from football's global showpiece. The 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Vienna saw Ralf Rangnick's side top Group H, sending them automatically to the tournament in North America while condemning their opponents to the playoffs.
Bosnia's Early Lead Wiped Out
The match began in concerning fashion for the home supporters as Haris Tabakovic headed Bosnia into a 12th-minute lead, continuing his impressive scoring form with a goal in his third consecutive qualifier. The visitors desperately needed victory to secure automatic qualification to what would have been only their second World Cup appearance.
Austria thought they had equalised just before half-time through Konrad Laimer, but after a lengthy VAR review, the goal was controversially ruled out for a foul. As the second half progressed, Bosnia appeared content to defend their narrow advantage while looking for opportunities on the counter-attack.
Gregoritsch's Moment of Glory
The breakthrough finally arrived with just 13 minutes remaining when Marcel Sabitzer's cross evaded the Bosnian goalkeeper, struck the post, and fell perfectly for Gregoritsch to power home. The strike marked his 23rd international goal and undoubtedly became his most memorable in an Austrian shirt.
The result means Austria finish top of Group H with 19 points, while Bosnia must settle for second place with 17 points and face the uncertainty of March's European playoffs.
Other Qualification Drama Across Europe
Elsewhere in European qualification, Spain secured their place despite being given a serious scare by Turkey in Seville. The European champions took an early lead through Dani Olmo but found themselves 2-1 down after goals from Deniz Gul and Salih Ozcan. Mikel Oyarzabal's 62nd-minute equaliser preserved Spain's proud unbeaten home record in qualifiers and ensured their passage to the World Cup.
Switzerland also qualified despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Kosovo in Pristina. Rubén Vargas had put the Swiss ahead early in the second half, but Florent Muslija's spectacular 74th-minute equaliser ensured a nervy finish. The Swiss completed an unbeaten qualifying campaign to top Group B with 14 points.
Belgium confirmed their qualification in emphatic style, hammering Liechtenstein 7-0 to finish their campaign unbeaten. The Red Devils scored four times in a remarkable seven-minute spell during the second half, with Jérémy Doku and Charles De Ketelaere both scoring twice.
