Zlatan Ibrahimovic has tears in his eyes while on punditry duty after watching 'very emotional' World Cup moment

A visibly emotional Zlatan Ibrahimovic had tears in his eyes after Bosnia and Herzegovina secured their place in the World Cup knockout stages with a memorable win over Qatar.

Coming into this summer's tournament, Bosnia and Herzegovina were the lowest-ranked team (65) in Group B behind Switzerland (19), Canada (30) and Qatar (56).

However, Sergej Barbarez has relished his side's underdog tag at the World Cup, after they beat Wales and Italy to reach the finals.

"We came here as complete underdogs," Barbarez told reporters. "We're trying to do something big ⁠and major, and this is now something that has come true."

After starting their World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against co-hosts Canada, the Zmajevi suffered a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Switzerland, a game that meant their final game against Qatar was crucial.

Kerim Alajbegovic's effort in the 29th-minute handed Bosnia a deserved lead and five minutes later, an own goal from Mahmoud Abunada doubled Bosnia's advantage.

Qatar pulled one back through Hassan Al Haydos just before half-time, but Barbarez's men secured a crucial three points when Ermin Mahmic scored with 10 minutes remaining in Seattle.

Shortly after Bosnia ended a seven-game winless run, Zlatan Ibrahimovic opened up in a rare moment of emotion from the former Barcelona, Manchester United and AC Milan forward.

Speaking in the FOX Sports studio alongside Thierry Henry, he said: "That's all about what football is all about, bringing people together. Especially for Bosnia, with how much this country has suffered, to see this happiness makes me very emotional.

"It gives me goosebumps because that's my father's roots, and just to see 70,000 people singing... the Bosnian fans have probably already won the World Cup in their hearts. It makes me happy and very proud of them.

"To see them also advance from the group stage is special, but the most special moment is when the fans are singing. That makes me emotional."

Ibrahimovic added: "I can't even express myself properly right now, but it's a very emotional moment, and I'm just happy. I'm just happy."

When you make Zlatan cry you did something special pic.twitter.com/t4ljXzE9dq

— BiH Basketball (@BiHBasketball) June 25, 2026

Zlatan Ibrahimovic blown away by 'rare' Bosnian wonderkid

At the age of 18 years and 276 days old, Kerim Alajbegovic became the youngest player ever to score from outside the penalty area at a World Cup, breaking the previous record held by Kylian Mbappe.

Alajbegovic also became the eighth-youngest goalscorer in World Cup history.

After the full-time, Ibrahimovic was full of praise for the teenager. "Everyone talks about the goal, but for me that is not the most important thing. What impresses me the most is his courage," the Swede said.

"He is 18 years old, he is playing at the World Cup under enormous pressure and in front of millions of spectators, and he acts as if the stadium is his. That is really rare."