Bosnia World Cup 2026 Squad — All 26 Players Named by Sergej Barbarez

Edin Dzeko at 39 captains the side

One of the greatest strikers of his generation, Bosnia's all-time leading scorer with over 60 international goals. He will be 40 by the time the group stage finishes which makes him one of the oldest outfield players at any World Cup in history. Extraordinary career and extraordinary dedication. Dzeko has played at the top level for two decades — Manchester City, Roma, Inter Milan — and he is here at the very end, captaining his country at a World Cup. Football does not produce many stories like this.

Bosnia beat Italy on penalties to qualify

Let that sink in. They came through the UEFA playoff semi-final against Wales on penalties and then beat four-time world champions Italy on penalties in the final. One of the great qualification stories of this cycle. Nobody expected Bosnia to be here. They produced the biggest result in their recent history and they earned every single moment of it. The shoot-out against Italy will be talked about in Bosnia for generations.

This is only Bosnia's second ever World Cup

Their debut was in Brazil in 2014 where they were eliminated in the group stage. The country has come a long way in 12 years and qualifying this time required beating two heavyweight European nations. Bosnia exist as an independent footballing nation only since 1996 — in football terms they are still a young country. Getting to a second World Cup in their history, and doing it the way they did, represents enormous progress for Bosnian football.

Miralem Pjanic is unattached

The former Juventus and Barcelona midfielder has been without a club since leaving Al-Ittihad but Barbarez included him for his quality and experience in big games. At 34 he still has the technical ability to unlock defences. Pjanic was one of the best midfielders in Europe for years — his passing range and vision at Juventus were exceptional. Whether his lack of club football affects his fitness over a tournament is the real question.

Ermedin Demirovic at Stuttgart is Bosnia's most dangerous forward

At Stuttgart he has been one of the Bundesliga's standout players this season — energetic, direct and clinical. He is Bosnia's most dangerous attacking option alongside Dzeko. Demirovic has the pace and movement to trouble any defence and if Bosnia are going to cause upsets he will be the player leading the charge. His partnership with the 39-year-old Dzeko — one exploding into his prime, one at the very end — is one of the most interesting dynamics in any squad at this tournament.

Group B — Switzerland, Canada and Qatar

This is a winnable group. If they beat Qatar and get something against Switzerland they could qualify for the Round of 16 for the first time in their history. Canada will be dangerous as hosts but Bosnia have enough quality to compete. Qualifying from Group B would be the greatest achievement in Bosnian football history. They have the players to do it if Barbarez can get them organised and if Dzeko stays fit.

Who is in Bosnia's World Cup 2026 squad?

Sergej Barbarez named a 26-man Bosnia squad for World Cup 2026. The squad is captained by Edin Dzeko at 39. Notable inclusions include Miralem Pjanic (unattached), Ermedin Demirovic (Stuttgart) and Amar Dedic (Benfica). Bosnia are in Group B alongside Switzerland, Canada and Qatar.

Is Edin Dzeko in Bosnia's World Cup 2026 squad?

Yes, Edin Dzeko is in Bosnia's World Cup 2026 squad and captains the side. He will be 40 during the tournament, making him one of the oldest outfield players at any World Cup in history. Bosnia's all-time leading scorer with over 60 international goals.

How did Bosnia qualify for World Cup 2026?

Bosnia qualified through the UEFA playoffs, beating Wales on penalties in the semi-final and then defeating four-time world champions Italy on penalties in the final. One of the great qualification stories of this tournament cycle.

Who is Bosnia's captain at World Cup 2026?

Edin Dzeko is Bosnia's captain at World Cup 2026. The legendary striker is Bosnia's all-time leading scorer and will be 40 years old during the tournament.

What group are Bosnia in at World Cup 2026?

Bosnia are in Group B at World Cup 2026 alongside Switzerland, Canada and Qatar. If they beat Qatar and get something against Switzerland they could qualify for the Round of 16 for the first time in their history.

When did Bosnia last play at a World Cup?

Bosnia last played at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where they were eliminated in the group stage. World Cup 2026 is only their second ever World Cup appearance.