Bosnia and Herzegovina FIFA World Cup 2026 preview – Dzeko sees final flourish at World Cup

Bosnia and Herzegovina returns to the football spectacle after missing the last two editions. It already made an impression by qualifying at the expense of multiple former champions Italy.

At 40, Edin Dzeko is still the charismatic talisman and continues to defy age and expectations. He was the team’s highest scorer in the European qualifiers, scoring six times in nine matches.

After the win over Italy, Bosnia and Herzegovina would feel like it can beat any team on the day. But the qualification is also due to the expansion of the tournament to 48 teams.

Twelve years ago it suffered defeats against Argentina and Nigeria and dropped out of the group stage. The lack of an absolute heavyweight in group B suits Bosnia and Herzegovina perfectly. One win and a few draws might be enough to become the third team in the group to reach the knockouts.

The only concern for the team is the lack of big names in the ranks. Dzeko plays in target and Bosnia and Herzegovina will need its supporting cast in the form of Ermedin Demirovic and Esmir Bajraktarevic to rise to the occasion.

Player to watch out for: Edin Dzeko

Dzeko scored for Bosnia and Herzegovina 12 years ago as the country defeated Iran 3-1 for its first World Cup victory. He returns to football’s showpiece as his country’s highest goalscorer (73) and is said to be hungry for more. Expect him to spend a lot of time in the penalty area hunting for crosses.

Manager: Sergej Barbarez

Barbarez, a former Bosnia international captain and poker player, took over Bosnia and Herzegovina after they failed to qualify for the 2024 European Championships. He has been a hit so far, building a team that is defensively strong and relies on counter-attacks.

Predicted lineup

Nikola Vasilj – Dennis Hadzikadunic, Tarik Muharemovic, Nikola Katic, Amar Dedic – Amar Memic, Benjamin Tahirovic, Ivan Sunjic, Esmir Bajraktarevic – Ermedin Demirovic, Edin Dzeko

World Cup statistics

• Appearance: 1

• Best result: group stage (2014)

• FIFA ranking: 65

• Matches played: 3

• Won: 1

• Drawn: 0

• Lost: 2

• GF: 4

• GA: 4

• Highest active goalscorer: Edin Dzeko (73)

Selection Bosnia and Herzegovina:

Goalkeepers: Nikola Vasilj, Martin Zlomislic, Osman Hadzikic

Defenders: Sead Kolasinac, Amar Dedic, Nihad Mujakic, Nikola Katic, Tarik Muharemovic, Stjepan Radeljic, Dennis Hadzikadunic, Nidal Celik

Midfielders: Amir Hadziahmetovic, Ivan Sunjic, Ivan Basic, Dzenis Burnic, Ermin Mahmic, Benjamin Tahirovic, Amar Memic, Armin Gigovic, Kerim Alajbegovic, Esmir Bajraktarevic

Forward: Ermedin Demirovic, Jovo Lukic, Samed Bazdar, Haris Tabakovic, Edin Dzeko

Published on June 5, 2026