Bosnia and Herzegovina moved to within one win of the FIFA World Cup after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Wales in Cardiff.

The home side struck first, and in spectacular fashion. Daniel James lit up the stadium with a brilliant goal, sending the Cardiff crowd into raptures and putting Wales in control for much of the match.

But just when it seemed the hosts would see the game out, experience made the difference. Veteran striker Edin Dzeko stepped up in the closing minutes of normal time, delivering a composed finish to level the score and silence the home supporters.

Extra time came and went without a breakthrough, as both sides showed signs of fatigue and caution. That left the outcome to be decided from the penalty spot — football’s ultimate test of nerve.

In the shootout, Bosnia and Herzegovina held their composure. Clinical and confident, they converted their chances, while Wales faltered at crucial moments, missing two of their attempts. The result: a 4-2 triumph for the visitors.

FIFA World Cup 2026, Qualifiers

Wales - Bosnia 1:1 (0:0), shoot-out 2:4
Goals: James D., 51 (1:0); Dzeko, 86 (1:1)

Wales: Darlow; Dasilva Jay; Williams N.; Lawlor D.; Rodon; Ampadu; Johnson B-n; James (Cullen L., 56); James D. (Thomas S., 84); Brooks (Harris M., 74); Wilson H.
Substitution: Cullen L. (from 56); Harris M. (from 74); Thomas S. (from 84)
Bench: Ward; King T.; Cabango; Norrington-Davies; Kpakio; Sheehan; Broadhead; Colwill J.; Koumas
Yellow Cards: Cullen L. 70

Bosnia: Vasilj N.; Kolasinac (Alajbegović, 62); Dedic A. (Gigovic, 112); Katić; Šunjić I. (Tabakovic, 78); Muharemovic; Tahirovic (Bašić І., 62); Memic Am. (Burnić, 74); Bajraktarević; Demirovic; Dzeko (Hadžiahmetović, 91)
Substitution: Bašić І. (from 62); Alajbegović (from 62); Burnić (from 74); Tabakovic (from 78); Hadžiahmetović (from 91); Gigovic (from 112)
Bench: Hadzikic; Zlomislić; Mujakic N.; Čelik N.; Radeljic; Baždar
Yellow Cards: Memic Am. 5; Demirovic 37; Kolasinac 39; Dzeko 111