Romania lost 1-3 to Bosnia and Herzegovina in Zenica on Saturday, November 15, a result that ends its chances of finishing second in its 2026 World Cup qualifying group and pushes the national team toward the playoff route. Daniel Bîrligea opened the scoring shortly before halftime, but Bosnia and Herzegovina equalized early in the second half and took control after Denis Drăguș was sent off just three minutes after coming on. The hosts then added two more goals to seal the win.
Despite the defeat, Romania remains in contention for a place at the 2026 World Cup through the UEFA playoffs, secured thanks to its group win in the Nations League.
According to the Romanian Football Federation (FRF), the team is to be placed in Pot 4 for the draw scheduled for Thursday in Zurich, joining the four Nations League group winners that did not finish in the top two of their qualifying groups. The playoff format involves 16 teams, namely 12 runners-up from the European qualifying groups and four Nations League group winners, competing in single-leg semifinals and finals. Romania is to face an opponent from Pot 1 away from home on March 26, 2026, with the final set for March 31. The updated FIFA rankings will determine the final seeding for Pots 1–3 after the last round of qualifiers.
Author’s summary: Romania’s 1–3 defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina shifts its World Cup route to UEFA playoffs, with final seeding to be determined by FIFA rankings after the qualifiers.
More News
- Josh Inglis Profile - ICC Ranking, Age, Career Info & Stats
- Ranked: rock's 21 most iconic frontwomen
- Piers Morgan Uncensored Update
- Crossing the Buyout Value Bridge as Valuations Wobble
- Sky News halts show for major breaking Piers Morgan …
- Stevie Nicks in Columbia
- Jah Wobble: Metal Box
- White People Dancing to Wobble
- Shankland stresses Hearts positives amid 'wee wobble'
- The one singer Stevie Nicks felt the world