Bosnia and Herzegovina compete in Group Two of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Record:
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Best World Cup finish: Group stage in 2014
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FIFA ranking: 65
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Last World Cup appearance: 2014
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Nickname: Zmajevi (The Dragons)
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Top clubs: Zrinjski Mostar, Željezničar Sarajevo, FK Sarajevo
Qualification: In late March, Bosnia sealed their play-off place in a gripping encounter with Italy. Falling behind to an early goal and playing with a numerical advantage throughout the second half, they equalised in the closing minutes before winning on penalties, denying Italy a World Cup place for a third consecutive time.
Coach: Former national team captain Sergej Barbarez finished his playing career in 2008 at Bayer Leverkusen after spending the bulk of it in Germany's Bundesliga, where he was the league's top scorer in the 2000–01 season with Hamburg. Appointed head coach in April 2024, this is his first foray into management.
Star player: At 40, veteran striker Edin Džeko (148 caps, 73 goals — both national records) will have fulfilled his dream of helping his country reach a second World Cup after 2014, where he was also present. He notably scored the equaliser in the European play-off semi-final against Wales. After a career that took him through Wolfsburg, Manchester City, and Italian clubs Roma and Inter Milan, the striker now plays for Schalke 04, who return to the Bundesliga next season.
Ambitions: In 2014, Bosnia finished third in their group with a win over Iran. This time, coach Barbarez said in May: "My wish is to enter the month of July" — meaning reaching the knockout rounds. While Switzerland appear the group favourites, Bosnia are capable of competing with Canada for a second-place finish and a spot in the Round of 16.