Penalty heartbreak for Wales as Bosnia win 4-2 after 1-1 draw, set to face Italy in play-off final

Wales drew 1-1 with Bosnia & Herzegovina but lost 4-2 on penalties in the 2026 World Cup play-off semi-final at Cardiff City Stadium tonight.

Bosnia had the first chance in the ninth minute, with Ermedin Demirovic hooking an effort straight at Karl Darlow in the Wales goal.

Wales came closest to breaking the deadlock in the opening exchanges, as Harry Wilson rifled a shot off the crossbar.

Dan James broke the deadlock in the 51st minute, smashing home from 25 yards, sending the home fans into wild jubilation.

The Leeds United winger came close to doubling Wales’ lead. He weaved past his marker, but his deflected shot struck the bar.

Demirovic almost levelled the scores after the hour mark with a free header, but Darlow produced a big save to deny him.

The Leeds goalkeeper produced another fine stop in the 71st minute, making a low save to keep out Kerim Alajbegovic’s effort.

Bosnia almost restored parity when Esmir Bajraktarevic swung in a delightful cross towards Demirovic, but the ball evaded him.

James and Brennan Johnson dragged their efforts wide, with Wales searching for a second vital goal.

Four minutes from time, veteran striker Edin Dzeko rose highest to head the ball into the net, levelling the scoreline and forcing extra time.

The only genuine attempt in the first half of extra-time fell to Wilson, but Tarik Muharemovic made a timely block to deny him a shot.

Wales continued to probe in the second half of extra-time, but were unable to create a clear chance, sending the game to penalties.

Bosnia will now face Italy after winning the shoot-out. They defeated Northern Ireland in their semi-final.