Bosnia World Cup 2026 Squad — Fixtures, Group and Kits
Bosnia and Herzegovina make their second-ever World Cup appearance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, placed in Group B alongside Canada, Switzerland, and Qatar. Manager Sergej Barbarez confirmed the official 26-man squad on May 11, 2026, with veteran captain Edin Džeko leading the side at age 40.
This page covers the complete Bosnia World Cup 2026 squad with portrait cards, every Group B fixture with correct venues, key player stats, and kit information. All data is verified from the official squad announcement.
Table of Contents
Bosnia National Football Team World Cup Squad 2026
Barbarez selected a 26-man squad that blends experienced European club players with emerging talent. The most high-profile call-up is 40-year-old Edin Džeko, Bosnia’s all-time record scorer, who came out of international retirement to lead the attack. Esmir Bajraktarevič, 21, of PSV Eindhoven is the standout young talent after scoring the winning penalty against Italy in the World Cup playoff.
Goalkeepers
Nikola Vasilj
FC St. Pauli
Martin Zlomislic
HNK Rijeka
Osman Hadzikic
Slaven Belupo
Defenders
Sead Kolasinac
Atalanta
Amar Dedic
SL Benfica
Nihad Mujakic
Gaziantep FK
Nikola Katic
Schalke 04
Tarik Muharemovic
US Sassuolo
Stjepan Radeljic
HNK Rijeka
Dennis Hadzikadunić
UC Sampdoria
Nidal Celik
RC Lens
Midfielders
Amir Hadziahmetovic
Hull City
Ivan Sunjic
Pafos FC
Ivan Basic
FC Astana
Dzenis Burnic
Karlsruher SC
Ermin Mahmic
Slovan Liberec
Benjamin Tahirovic
Brondby IF
Amar Memic
Viktoria Plzen
Armin Gigovic
Kerim Alajbegovic
RB Salzburg
Esmir Bajraktarevic
PSV Eindhoven
Forwards
Ermedin Demirovic
VfB Stuttgart
Jovo Lukic
Universitatea Cluj
Samed Bazdar
Jagiellonia
Haris Tabakovic
Borussia M’gladbach
Edin Dzeko
Schalke 04
Bosnia Match Schedule 2026 and Upcoming Fixtures
Bosnia open the 2026 World Cup against Canada at BMO Field in Toronto on June 12. They then face Switzerland at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles before their final group match against hosts-nation Qatar at Lumen Field in Seattle. All kickoff times are Eastern Time (ET). The correct venues replace the placeholder names previously listed on this page.
Confirmed Group B Fixtures
Canada
Bosnia
Switzerland
Bosnia
Bosnia
Qatar
Under the 48-team format, the top two teams from each group advance automatically to the round of 32. Third-place finishers may also progress depending on their record compared to other third-placed teams across all 12 groups. Bosnia will need a strong start against Canada to build momentum in the group.
Bosnia Group B Standings and Draw
Bosnia are drawn in Group B of the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada, Switzerland, and Qatar. The table will update once the group stage begins on June 12. Canada, as CONCACAF hosts and automatic qualifiers, are considered the group favourites on current form. Switzerland present the toughest European challenge.
| Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Switzerland | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Bosnia & Herzegovina | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Qatar | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Bosnia Records and Key Players
Bosnia’s only previous World Cup appearance came in Brazil 2014, where they were eliminated in the group stage. This tournament represents a significant moment for the nation, qualifying through a UEFA playoff that included a famous penalty shootout victory over Italy. Edin Džeko is the record scorer and most capped player in Bosnia’s international history.
Key Players to Watch
| Player | Position | Club | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edin Dzeko | ST | Schalke 04 | Captain, all-time top scorer |
| Ermedin Demirovic | ST | VfB Stuttgart | Leading striker, WC qualifying top scorer |
| Esmir Bajraktarevic | MF/FW | PSV Eindhoven | Scored playoff-winning penalty vs Italy |
| Sead Kolasinac | LB | Atalanta | Most experienced defender |
| Nikola Vasilj | GK | FC St. Pauli | First-choice goalkeeper |
Ermedin Demirovič of VfB Stuttgart was Bosnia’s top scorer in World Cup qualifying and is expected to partner Džeko in attack. Esmir Bajraktarevič provides pace and creativity from the right wing. Sead Kolasˇinač at Atalanta anchors the left flank in defence with over 60 senior caps.
Coach, Tactics and Starting XI
Sergej Barbarez, a former Bosnia and Hamburger SV winger, took charge of the national team in 2024. He favours a 4-2-3-1 system built around a compact defensive block and quick transitions through Bajraktarevič and the wide midfielders. Džeko drops deeper to link play when Bosnia face high-pressing opponents.
The double pivot of Hadzˇiahmetovič and Sˇunjič provides defensive cover, freeing Tahirovič and Burnič to operate in more advanced roles. Demirovič is the target man, with Džeko used as an impact substitute or occasional starter depending on the opponent.
Predicted Starting XI vs Canada (June 12)
| Position | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|
| GK | Nikola Vasilj | FC St. Pauli |
| RB | Amar Dedic | SL Benfica |
| CB | Tarik Muharemovic | US Sassuolo |
| CB | Nikola Katic | Schalke 04 |
| LB | Sead Kolasinac | Atalanta |
| DM | Amir Hadziahmetovic | Hull City |
| DM | Ivan Sunjic | Pafos FC |
| AM | Esmir Bajraktarevic | PSV Eindhoven |
| AM | Benjamin Tahirovic | Brondby IF |
| AM | Dzenis Burnic | Karlsruher SC |
| ST | Ermedin Demirovic | VfB Stuttgart |
Bosnia Kit 2026
Bosnia and Herzegovina will wear kits manufactured by Legea, the Italian sportswear brand that has supplied the Bosnian national team for several years. The kits feature the national colours of blue and yellow, reflecting the flag of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Bosnia Home Kit 2026
The home kit uses a royal blue base with gold and white trim. The Legea branding and the Football Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina crest are displayed on the chest. Blue shorts and white socks complete the home strip. Bosnia will likely wear the home kit in their match against Qatar where they hold colour priority.
Bosnia Away Kit 2026
The away strip moves to a white base with blue and gold accents on the collar and sleeve edges. The away kit is expected to be used in the matches against Canada and Switzerland, where both teams carry darker home colours. Full away kit details have not been officially confirmed by the federation as of May 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Is in the Bosnia World Cup 2026 Squad?
Bosnia’s 26-man squad confirmed on May 11, 2026 includes: Goalkeepers — Vasilj, Zlomislič, Hadzˇikič. Defenders — Kolasˇinač, Dedič, Mujkič, Katič, Muharemovič, Radeljič, Hadzˇikadunicȟ, Čelik. Midfielders — Hadzˇiahmetovič, Sˇunjič, Basič, Burnič, Mahmicȟ, Tahirovič, Memič, Gigovič, Alajbegovič, Bajraktarevič. Forwards — Demirovič, Lukič, Bazˇdar, Tabakovič, Džeko.
Who Is the Captain of Bosnia at the 2026 World Cup?
Edin Džeko is the captain of Bosnia and Herzegovina at the 2026 World Cup. The 40-year-old striker came out of international retirement to lead his country at their second-ever World Cup. Džeko is Bosnia’s all-time top scorer and most capped player.
What Group Is Bosnia in at the 2026 World Cup?
Bosnia and Herzegovina are in Group B of the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada, Switzerland, and Qatar. Their three group stage matches take place at BMO Field (Toronto), SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles), and Lumen Field (Seattle) between June 12 and June 24.
When Does Bosnia Play at the 2026 World Cup?
Bosnia play their first match on June 12 against Canada at BMO Field, Toronto (15:00 ET). Their second match is against Switzerland on June 18 at SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles (15:00 ET). The final group game is against Qatar on June 24 at Lumen Field, Seattle (15:00 ET).
How Did Bosnia Qualify for the 2026 World Cup?
Bosnia and Herzegovina qualified for the 2026 World Cup through the UEFA playoff route. They defeated Turkey in the semifinals and then beat Italy on penalties in the playoff final. Esmir Bajraktarevič scored the decisive penalty against Italy to send Bosnia to their second World Cup.
Has Bosnia Ever Won a Match at the World Cup?
Bosnia played in their first and only previous World Cup in Brazil 2014. They won one match in that tournament, defeating Iran 3–1 in the group stage. Miralem Pjanič scored in that game. They were eliminated in the group stage after losing to Argentina and Nigeria.
What Is Bosnia’s FIFA Ranking?
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s FIFA ranking as of May 2026 is yet to be confirmed on this page. The team rose in the rankings after defeating Italy in the World Cup playoff. Check the FIFA.com rankings page for the latest confirmed position.
Key Takeaways
- Bosnia’s 26-man squad was confirmed on May 11, 2026 — the first nation to officially announce their World Cup roster.
- Edin Džeko, aged 40, came out of retirement to captain Bosnia at their second World Cup.
- Esmir Bajraktarevič (PSV Eindhoven, 21) scored the playoff-winning penalty against Italy.
- Bosnia play Group B against Canada (June 12), Switzerland (June 18), and Qatar (June 24).
- Their only previous World Cup was Brazil 2014, where they won one group stage match.
