Road to 2026: Bosnia Draws Motivation from Star Player Edin Dzeko

Bosnia and Herzegovina are set to make their second appearance on the global stage, following their debut in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, and their journey back to the top has been nothing short of remarkable.

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Edin Dzeko played a pivotal role in their return, as he inspired his team from the touchline despite nursing a serious shoulder injury, helping Bosnia ease past Italy in the European play-offs via penalties.

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Prior to their victory over Italy, Bosnia had overcome Wales in the semi-final and a more formidable opponent in Austria during the group stage of the World Cup qualifications, showcasing the team's resilience and determination.

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These achievements are all the more impressive considering that Bosnia and Herzegovina is not a country typically associated with football, making their accomplishments a testament to the team's skill and dedication.

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In 2014, a talented generation of players, including Miralem Pjanic, Sead Kolasinac, Edin Dzeko, and Asmir Begovic, introduced Bosnia and Herzegovina to the world, leaving a lasting impression on the football community.

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Their campaign in Brazil began with a match against Argentina at the Maracana, where they suffered a 2-1 loss but celebrated Ibisevic's first World Cup goal, a moment that would be etched in the team's history.

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Although their dreams of advancing to the round of 16 were dashed by a subsequent loss to Nigeria, Bosnia bounced back with a 3-1 victory over IR Iran, ensuring a respectable finish to the competition.

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One player to watch is Edin Dzeko, who, at the age of 40, remains a potent force in the box, and although he is currently recovering from a shoulder injury, he may still see some action later in the tournament.

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As one of the country's top scorers in the World Cup, Dzeko will aim to take the lead in this year's competition, as he is currently tied with three other players, including Ibisevic, Pjanic, and Vrsajevic, who share the record.

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Another key player is Sead Kolasinac, who has built a reputation for his robust defense and unexpected offensive contributions, particularly from his left-back position, making him a valuable asset to the team.

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Kolasinac, now 32, has been a consistent member of the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team and, as one of the team's elder statesmen, will provide leadership and help organize the backline alongside younger players like Tarik Muharemović and Amar Memić.

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Under the guidance of head coach Sergej Barbarez, who was appointed on April 19, 2024, Bosnia and Herzegovina will face several challenges in the group stage of the World Cup, with their fixtures including a match against Canada on June 12, 2026, at the BMO Field in Toronto.

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Their schedule also includes a match against Switzerland on June 18, 2026, at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, and a final group stage match against Qatar on June 24, 2026, at the Lumen Field in Seattle.