SARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina (FN), Bosnia and Herzegovina will return to the World Cup stage in 2026, inspired by veteran striker Edin Džeko, whose goals and leadership carried the team through a dramatic qualifying campaign.
At 40 years old, Džeko remains the national team’s talisman. He scored six goals in qualifying, including a late equalizer against Wales in the playoff semifinal and a crucial assist in the final against Italy. Despite suffering a shoulder injury late in that match, he stayed on the field, symbolizing his determination as Bosnia clinched victory on penalties.
The win secured Bosnia’s second-ever World Cup appearance, their first since 2014. Celebrations erupted across Sarajevo and beyond, with Džeko leading teammates in song while wearing World Cup logo shirts, his arm strapped from injury.
Coach Sergej Barbarez praised Džeko’s influence, calling him “the heart of this team,” while also highlighting the emergence of a new generation. Wisconsin-born Esmir Bajraktarević, 20, and 18-year-old Kerim Alajbegović both scored in the decisive shootout against Italy, underscoring the blend of youth and experience driving Bosnia forward.
Analysts say Bosnia’s qualification is a symbolic triumph for a nation that has endured decades of political and social challenges. With only 10 weeks until the tournament, attention now turns to Džeko’s recovery and how the squad will balance its veteran leader with rising stars.
