Overview
- Michael Gregoritsch came off the bench to level late in the second half, securing the 1-1 that clinched direct qualification.
- Haris Tabakovic had given Bosnia an early lead with a 12th-minute header at Vienna’s Ernst-Happel-Stadion.
- Austria needed at least a draw in the Group H finale and ended a 28-year wait for a World Cup appearance in 2026.
- Bosnia, coached by Sergej Barbarez, remains in contention through the UEFA play-offs after failing to get the win required for direct entry.
- The match followed a dispute over Emir Karic’s eligibility paperwork, with Barbarez accusing the ÖFB of withholding documents and invoking expected FIFA pressure, while celebrations featured bold remarks from Marko Arnautovic about declaring 18 November a holiday.