Bosnia and Herzegovina knows it is the underdog heading into its 2026 FIFA World Cup Group B opener against co-host Canada, coach Sergej Barbarez said on Thursday, but the Balkan country will play with pride as it returns to the tournament for the first time in 12 years.
Bosnia will look to progress past the group stage this time after recording one win on their debut in Brazil in 2014.
“We are a small country,” Barbarez said. “This is our second ever World Cup and we are certainly something of an underdog in many of the games to come.”
But despite his side being ranked 64th, the coach is confident in his side’s ability to perform on the world’s biggest stage.
“If you know our results, I think you just have to admire what we have achieved.”
Bosnia claimed one of the last six spots at the World Cup after beating three-time champions Italy in a penalty shootout. He is a heartthrob who plays with heart and will try to bring that same mentality into the tournament.
“(I once said) I love this David vs. Goliath game,” Barbarez said. “We play with our heart and that has been our advantage.”
The Dragons are led by 40-year-old striker Edin Dzeko, who Barbarez has confirmed will be in the squad for Friday’s match after overcoming a shoulder injury. Dzeko is Bosnia’s all-time top scorer with 73 goals. “Edin will be with us tomorrow,” Barbarez said. «Edin will play as usual.»
Barbarez expects a tough match against Canada, who are also aiming to reach the knockout stages for the first time but face the added pressure of chasing its first-ever World Cup win and playing on home soil.
“I may be exaggerating a bit, but I’m sure the match will be quite intense, which is typical for both teams,” Barbarez said.
While Canada will have the local public behind it, Bosnia will not be left without strong support. The Dragons have received a warm welcome since arriving in Toronto, with fans flocking to the team’s practices this week.
“We really want to show our best to the whole world,” Barbarez said. «We really want to be the team that deserves respect and we can only do that by showing what we know on the pitch.»
Published on June 12, 2026
