Bosnia and Herzegovina: World Cup 2026 Squad, Fixtures, Standings & Kits
Bosnia and Herzegovina make their second-ever World Cup appearance in 2026. They are in Group B with Canada, Switzerland, and Qatar. Manager Sergej Barbarez confirmed the 26-man squad on May 11, 2026. Veteran captain Edin Džeko leads the side at age 40.
This article covers the complete Bosnia World Cup 2026 squad. We include portrait cards, Group B fixtures, player stats, and kit details. All data is verified from the official squad announcement.
Table of Contents
What should fans know about Bosnia and Herzegovina at World Cup 2026?
Bosnia and Herzegovina are competing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. They are placed in Group D and are managed by Sergej Barbarez. The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
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 Edin Džeko. The 40-year-old record scorer came out of retirement to lead the attack. Esmir Bajraktarevič, 21, of PSV Eindhoven is the standout young talent. He scored the winning playoff penalty against Italy.
Goalkeepers
Defenders
Midfielders
Forwards
Bosnia Match Schedule 2026 and Upcoming Fixtures
Matchday viewing routes are covered in the where to watch Bosnia and Herzegovina football guide before kickoff.
Local kickoff times and channel notes are available in the Bosnia and Herzegovina FIFA World Cup 2026 TV schedule.
Bosnia open the 2026 World Cup against Canada at BMO Field in Toronto on June 12. They face Switzerland at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. The final group match is against Qatar at Lumen Field in Seattle. All kickoff times are Eastern Time (ET). The correct venues replace the placeholder names previously listed.
Confirmed Group B Fixtures
Canada
VS
Bosnia
Switzerland
VS
Bosnia
Bosnia
VS
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 is a significant moment for the nation. They qualified through a UEFA playoff. This featured a penalty 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 was Bosnia’s top scorer in qualifying. He 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. It uses a compact defensive block and quick transitions through wide midfielders. Džeko drops deeper to link play when Bosnia face high-pressing opponents.
The double pivot provides defensive cover. This frees Tahirovič and Burnič to operate in 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 by Legea. The Italian sportswear brand has supplied the 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 for matches against Canada and Switzerland. Both teams wear darker home colours. Full away kit details have not been officially confirmed by the federation as of May 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about the Bosnia team squad, fixtures, and coach at the 2026 World Cup.
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 group matches take place at BMO Field, SoFi Stadium, and Lumen Field. The games run 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. 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. They are the first nation to announce their 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.
