Edin Dzeko leads Bosnia-Herzegovina squad to FIFA World Cup 2026
Bosnia-Herzegovina manager Sergej Barbarez has announced his 26-man squad for FIFA World Cup 2026
Slaven Belupo goalkeeper Osman Hadzikic has since been replaced by Borac Banja Luka’s Malden Jurkas. Lens defender Nidal Celik has also been forced to withdraw.
Despite never qualifying for a UEFA European Championship, Bosnia-Herzegovina are heading to their second FIFA World Cup and they will, as they were in Brazil in 2014, be captained by veteran striker Edin Dzeko.
The former Manchester City and Inter Milan forward, now of Schalke, turned 40 in March but again forms a fundamental part of a Bosnia side that punched above their weight to defeat both Wales and Italy, both on penalties, in the UEFA playoffs.
Dzeko isn’t the only recognisable face in the final third, though, with Stuttgart striker Ermedin Demirovic and Borussia Monchengladbach’s Haris Tabakovic providing added firepower, too.
Perhaps the other most recognisable name from the Bosnian squad is another veteran with former Arsenal defender Sead Kolasinac, now at Atalanta, also selected.
Benfica’s Amar Dedic and PSV Eindhoven’s Wisconsin-born Esmir Bajkaktarevic are likely to be on opposite sides at wing-back for the Golden Lilies; providing an outlet to break forward for a side that, under Sergej Barbarez, will likely seek to contain and control primarily.
The one man to really keep an eye on as a neutral ahead of the tournament is Red Bull Salzburg attacker Kerim Alajbegovic with the 18-year-old a real potential livewire in behind Dzeko.
