Bosnia and Herzegovina teenager Kerim Alajbegovic has broken a World Cup record previously held by France forward Kylian Mbappe. The 18-year-old midfielder scored a stunning long-range goal in Bosnia's 3-1 victory over Qatar in their final Group B match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the youngest player to score from outside the penalty area at a World Cup since detailed records began in 1966.
Record-Breaking Strike
According to CentreGoals, Alajbegovic was aged 18 years and 276 days at the time of his goal, surpassing Mbappe, who scored from outside the box at the 2018 World Cup at 19 years and 207 days. Alajbegovic's goal came in the 29th minute at Seattle Stadium, where he glided past two Qatari defenders before unleashing a thunderous right-footed strike beyond goalkeeper Mahmud Abunada.
Match Details
Bosnia doubled their lead five minutes later when captain Edin Dzeko's volley deflected off defender Sultan Al Brake and beat Abunada, with the goal later recorded as an own goal. Qatar responded before halftime as captain Hassan Al-Haydos bundled home a cross from Edmilson Junior in the 42nd minute. Bosnia sealed the victory in the 80th minute when substitute Ermin Mahmic scored for the second consecutive match, calmly slotting home after reacting quickest to a loose ball inside the penalty area.
Group Standing and Fan Reactions
The Dragons finished level on four points with co-hosts Canada but were forced to settle for third place due to an inferior head-to-head record. Fans reacted to Alajbegovic's performance on social media. @idriisgarba said: "I had never heard much abt him before this tournament, but now I'm paying attention." @Kepa_Dotmors wrote: "What a way to put your name in the history books of the World Cup, what a strike." @KhurramPak90 added: "New name. Historic record. Kerim Alajbegović's rocket from distance has rewritten World Cup history, surpassing Kylian Mbappé as the youngest player to score from outside the area on football's biggest stage. Remember the name. The future is here."
Mbappe Equals Ronaldo's Record
In related World Cup news, France captain Kylian Mbappe matched a record previously held by Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazario at the FIFA World Cup. Mbappe scored a brace as Les Bleus secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Iraq at Philadelphia Stadium on Monday, June 23, 2026.
