Bosnia and Herzegovina head coach Sergej Barbarez has unveiled a balanced squad combining seasoned internationals, emerging talents and fresh faces ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Veteran striker Edin Dzeko headlines the squad as Bosnia prepare for only their second appearance at the global tournament.
The experienced forward remains the nation’s most capped player and all-time leading scorer, bringing invaluable leadership to a side eager to make an impact on the world stage.
Dzeko, now 40, is one of only two players from Bosnia’s historic 2014 World Cup squad still involved with the national team.
The other survivor is defender Sead Kolasinac, who also earned a place in Barbarez’s final selection.
Bosnia secured qualification in dramatic fashion after defeating Wales and Italy in the playoffs via penalty shootouts.
Dzeko suffered a shoulder injury during extra time against Italy and missed the subsequent shootout victory, raising concerns about his readiness for the tournament.
The striker also sat out four matches for his club, Schalke 04, but his recent substitute appearances have eased fears surrounding his fitness ahead of the World Cup campaign.
Bosnia have been drawn in Group B alongside co-hosts Canada, Qatar and Switzerland. Their opening fixture is scheduled for June 12 in Toronto against the Canadians.
One of the biggest talking points from Barbarez’s squad announcement was the inclusion of midfielder Ermin Mahmic.
The 21-year-old recently received FIFA approval to switch international allegiance from Austria to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Born in Austria, Mahmic previously represented Austria at Under-17 and Under-21 levels but also featured for Bosnia’s Under-19 side.
Barbarez believes the youngster possesses qualities capable of strengthening the national team for years to come.
The Bosnia coach praised Mahmic’s enthusiasm and described him as a technically gifted midfielder capable of operating in advanced creative roles, adding that the player fits the long-term vision of the national team.
Another rising star attracting attention is teenage winger Kerim Alajbegovic.
The 18-year-old made a significant impact during the playoff victories, providing the assist for Dzeko’s equaliser against Wales before calmly converting the decisive penalty in the shootout.
Alajbegovic also showed composure from the spot during Bosnia’s triumph over Italy, further underlining his growing reputation as one of the country’s brightest young prospects.
Bosnia will fine-tune preparations with friendly matches against North Macedonia in Sarajevo on May 29 and Panama in St. Louis before heading to Canada for the World Cup.
Bosnia and Herzegovina World Cup Squad
Goalkeepers
Nikola Vasilj, Martin Zlomislic, Osman Hadzikic
Defenders
Sead Kolasinac, Amar Dedic, Nihad Mujakic, Nikola Katic, Tarik Muharemovic, Stjepan Radeljic, Dennis Hadzikadunic, Nidal Celik
Midfielders
Amir Hadziahmetovic, Ivan Sunjic, Ivan Basic, Dzenis Burnic, Ermin Mahmic, Benjamin Tahirovic, Amar Memic, Armin Gigovic, Kerim Alajbegovic, Esmir Bajraktarevic
Forwards
Ermedin Demirovic, Jovo Lukic, Samed Bazdar, Haris Tabakovic, Edin Dzeko
