FIFA World Cup Qualifying Play Off Result| Thursday 26/03 |
Wales | 1-1 | Bosnia-Herzegovina |
Bosnia-Herzegovina win 4-2 on pens
Wales 1-1 Bosnia-Herzegovina
Bosnia-Herzegovina win 4-2 on pens
Wales suffered the agony of missing out on a second successive major tournament on penalties as they lost their World Cup semi-final at home to Bosnia-Herzegovina following a shootout in Cardiff.
Craig Bellamy's side had looked on course to set up a play-off final against Italy as they led 1-0 in the second half, only to concede a late equaliser before losing on penalties, as they did to Poland exactly two years earlier in their Euro 2024 play-off final.
Wales controlled a cagey first half, dominating possession and coming closest to an opening goal as Harry Wilson's beautiful bending effort cannoned off the post.
The home side took the lead in spectacular fashion six minutes after the restart, Daniel James latching on to a wayward backpass and smashing a swerving 25-yard strike into the roof of the net.
James then hit the crossbar as the game opened up, while Wales goalkeeper Karl Darlow produced a save for the ages to claw away a goalbound header from Ermedin Demirovic.
Bosnia grew in confidence and had chances to equalise before their 40-year-old captain, former Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko, headed in from a corner in the 86th minute to send the game into added time.
Both teams looked exhausted in extra time, unable to create any opportunities of note, with Bosnia trying everything they could to run down the clock and force penalties.
Darlow denied Demirovic again from the first spot-kick, while Wilson, Haris Tabakovic, Mark Harris and Ivan Basic all scored before Brennan Johnson skied his to make it 2-2 after three penalties each.
Amir Hadziahmetovic converted Bosnia's next penalty and Neco Williams saw his saved by Nikola Vasilj, handing Kerim Alajbegovic the chance to clinch victory as he sent Darlow the wrong way.
Bosnia will now host Italy on Tuesday for a place at this summer's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Wales, meanwhile, will return to Cardiff City Stadium on the same night for a match that nobody wants, a friendly against Northern Ireland, who lost Thursday's other semi-final to Italy.
Analysis: Wales squander winning position
For a third successive campaign, Wales found themselves two home wins away from qualifying for a major tournament.
Having successfully navigated the play-off to reach the 2022 World Cup – their first for 64 years – they missed out on Euro 2024 at the final hurdle against Poland, two years ago to the day.
Contrasting as the emotions were on those occasions, the experiences all contributed to how familiar a game of this magnitude felt for Wales. They had been here before.
This was for large parts a mature performance but, having looked like putting the result beyond doubt as they chased a second goal when 1-0 up, it was alarming how quickly Wales allowed the game to get away from them.
Bellamy's substitutions laid bare his squad's lack of strength in depth, as Wales faded badly and struggled to regain momentum.
This defeat will hurt the head coach and his players, who will use this pain as fuel for their attempts to qualify for Euro 2028, which Wales will co-host with England, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.
Before then, however, they must analyse this defeat and learn some harsh lessons from a qualifying campaign which promised so much but ultimately delivered nothing.
Strong Wales start, wild Bosnia celebrations
Amid a febrile atmosphere fanned by flares in the away end, Wales started encouragingly, albeit not at "full gas" as Bellamy had vowed beforehand.
The hosts enjoyed as much as 70% possession during the first half yet for all their probing, the closest they got to a first-half goal was Wilson's wonderful curling effort that hit the post.
Bosnia were here to disrupt, as evidenced by their three yellow cards before the break, but they offered nothing in attack.
In fact, the visitors were more of a threat to themselves and contributed to the opening goal as Benjamin Tahirovic – the player at the centre of a pre-match controversy involving Steve Cooper, his Welsh manager at club side Brondby, and Bosnia boss Sergej Barbarez – misplaced a pass into James' path.
The Leeds United player unleashed a thunderous strike which flew past Bosnia keeper Nikola Vasilj, whose slip proved costly as he backpedalled.
James had a glorious chance to double Wales' lead but his shot inside the penalty area was deflected on to the bar.
At that point, the game was wide open, even ragged at times, and Bosnia sensed an opportunity.
Darlow made a miraculous save to deny Demirovic, and he was called into action again to palm away a shot from Kerim Alajbegovic.
The Leeds keeper was powerless to stop Dzeko's equalising glancing header, which sparked an eruption in the vociferous Bosnian end.
The celebrations were even wilder after their shootout triumph, Bosnia's first win in a play-off game at the eighth attempt, taking them one step closer to a first World Cup since 2014.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/c77mx3nyr05t
🎟 This weekend at Craven Cottage!
Join us at Craven Cottage this Sunday for an afternoon of National League action!
Fulham FC Women currently sit top of the table with just three games to go in a dramatic chase for promotion.
As Marco Silva's Men's side shift their focus to the international break, it's Steve Jaye's unbeaten Women's side who are ready to entertain in SW6!
Tickets are priced at just £5 for Adults and £1 for Juniors, we're encouraging supporters of all ages to help us across the line in two pivotal clashes on the Thames.
All tickets are located in the Johnny Haynes Stand but supporters will be able to extend their pre and post match routines at Fulham Pier, open before and after the match, offering a range of food and drink options, an unbeatable riverside view and a selection of free activities for our younger supporters.
Fans can buy online at fulhamfc.com/tickets, from the Fulham FC Ticket Office in person (Mon-Fri 9:30am-4:30pm) or by calling 0203 871 0810 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm).
BUY TICKETS
https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/march/26/this-weekend-at-craven-cottage/
Premier League team showing 'strongest interest' in Everton target Troy Parrott
Everton are showing interest in signing Troy Parrott this summer, but they face major competition from Premier League rivals Fulham.
David Moyes has seen small improvements from Beto over recent weeks amid the demand for another striker to be added over the summer.
There is still a lot to play for at Everton this season, and European qualification could transform the landscape for the Blues ahead of the transfer window.
However, they are already seemingly on the back foot when it comes to the race that is heating up to land Parrott from AZ Alkmaar.
Everton face strong Fulham competition for Troy Parrott
Late last year, Everton News first reported Everton's interest in Parrott following an extensive scouting mission from the Toffees.
According to journalist Miguel Delaney, it is now Fulham who have shown the strongest interest in the Ireland international.
"He just looks too good for the Dutch league. He will go to another league in the summer as I say Milan are interested. Dortmund are interested," he said on his YouTube channel.
"There were a lot of Premier League clubs looking including Fulham who have probably shown the strongest interest.
"Betis are interested. He will go to a higher level and it does it does look like his performance level is going to constantly go to a higher level."
Ahead of Ireland's game on Thursday against the Czech Republic, the opposition's manager has praised Parrott as being capable of everything.
It really has been a breakout season for the 24-year-old, who has returned 28 goals across all competitions.
Everton will be backed by the Friedkins this summer in the transfer window and adding a consistent source of goals will be high on the agenda.
Parrott has minimal experience in the Premier League, but he is a player who a number of the Everton squad will already know well through their international ties.
https://www.everton.news/premier-league-team-showing-strongest-interest-in-everton-target-troy-parrott/
Brentford (A) sold out
Tickets for Fulham's away fixture against Brentford have now sold out. Thank you for your fantastic support!
Marco Silva's side will make the short trip across west London to face The Bees at Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday 18th April, kick-off 12:30pm.
A small number of wheelchair spaces remain available to purchase over the phone by calling the Ticket Office on 0203 871 0810 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm).
Should the Club receive any ticket returns, please register your interest below by joining our waiting list for this fixture.
If you have trouble viewing the waiting list below, please click here.
https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/march/24/brentford-away-sold-out/
Iwobi nominated for Premier League Player & Goal of the Month
Player of the Month
Alex Iwobi has been nominated for the Premier League's EA SPORTS Player of the Month award for March.
The Premier League justification for Iwobi's inclusion read: "Often regarded as one of the more underrated players in the Premier League, Iwobi receives recognition for the effortless ingenuity he has provided in a deeper midfield role for Fulham, who are now firmly in contention for European qualification.
"He scored a wonderfully unique goal in Fulham's win against Spurs on the first day of March, using his in-step to provide an accurate finish across goal from outside of the box."
Iwobi's competition comes from Bruno Fernandes, James Garner, Morgan Gibbs-White, Anthony Gordon, David Raya and Danny Welbeck, with the vote open from now until midday on Monday.
Vote iwobi for player of the month
Goal of the Month
Iwobi has also received a nomination for the Premier League's Guinness Goal of the Month award, for his wonderful strike against Tottenham Hotspur.
His sublime instep finish from the edge of the box proved to be the winner against Tottenham Hotspur, and will surely be one of the more unique strikes to feature on the March shortlist.
The midfielder faces competition from Morgan Gibbs-White, Elliot Anderson, William Osula, Bernardo Silva, Iliman Ndiaye and John McGinn.
You can vote for Alex's goal below until midday on Monday, with the winners of all awards announced on Friday 3rd Apri.
vote iwobi for goal of the month
https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/march/26/vote-for-iwobi/
Sheffield United star Gustavo Hamer 'monitored' by Everton, Fulham and Nottingham Forest
Sheffield United star Gustavo Hamer is reportedly being monitored by Everton, Nottingham Forest and Fulham.
The midfielder will enter the final year of his contract in the summer and speculation regarding his future has continued to swirl.
He has previously been the subject of Premier League interest and was linked with Dutch outfit PSV Eindhoven in the last summer window.
With promotion not looking likely for Sheffield United, transfer talk may intensify in the coming weeks and months.
Gustavo Hamer transfer talk resurfaces
According to Turkish outlet Kuzey Ekspres, Hamer is being trailed by Everton, Forest and Fulham.
The clubs are said to be readying offers, although they could reportedly face competition from Turkey.
It has been claimed Trabzonspor will speak to Sheffield United at the end of the season regarding the possibility of a move for the 28-year-old.
The report has indicated negotiations could start around the €20m (£17.3m) mark.
Chris Wilder's stance
Last month, regarding Hamer's contract situation, Blades boss Chris Wilder said: "We have to come to a decision with Gus and Tyrese [Campbell], because they're in the last 18 months of their deals as well. So talks with them.
"But there has to be enthusiasm from other clubs for the boys' services as well, so ongoing stuff that can go either way. What I'm seeing at the moment, and what I demand of everybody, is a committed group.
"We don't get the results and get the performances that we have if we're not committed. So Ty and Gus are with us for 18 months, and I demand and expect committed performances. And they're producing."
Since joining Sheffield United from Coventry City in the summer of 2023, Hamer has registstered 19 goals and 27 assists over the course of 116 appearances. 11 of those assists have been registered this season.
https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-united-gustavo-hamer-everton-fulham-nottingham-forest-6364122