Overview
If it is said that Bosnia & Herzegovina winning a ticket to the World Cup was a surprise, it is probably still too simple. A team that only won 4 in 19 previous matches in two qualifying campaigns was once facing a comprehensive crisis when Sergej Barbarez took over the coaching chair in 2024.
However, amidst chaos, emotions and sometimes instability - things that have long become a specialty of Bosnian football - this team still creates miracles.
Bosnia overcame Wales and Italy in dramatic play-off matches to win a ticket to the World Cup for the second time in history. That is a result beyond expectations for a team that was once underestimated in both quality and spirit.
Barbarez, the legendary former captain of Bosnia, has been waiting for the opportunity to lead the national team for many years. Even during this time, he did not work as a coach but switched to playing professional poker and enjoying retirement life. When the Bosnian Football Federation contacted him, he immediately gathered his close friends and old teammates around him. Emir Spahic took on the role of Sporting Director, while Sasa Papac and Zlatan Bayramovic joined the coaching staff.
In the first year under Barbarez, up to 16 players debuted for the national team. Most of them were trained abroad, from Germany, Sweden to Austria and the United States.
Despite not winning in the first 8 matches and facing much criticism, Barbarez remained steadfast in his first goal: to restore the morale of the team.
They built their identity based on a fierce, direct defensive style and fast counter-attacks. Young players like Kerim Alajbegovic, Esmir Bajraktarevic, Tarik Muharemovic or Amar Dedic have brought new energy to the team still led by veteran captain Edin Dzeko.
Bosnia is unlikely to dominate in Group B against opponents such as Canada, Switzerland or Qatar, but they possess a strong fighting spirit and unpredictability enough to become an opponent not easy to defeat.
Coach
Sergej Barbarez has spent many years criticizing Bosnia's football management and almost no longer has hope of being given the opportunity to lead the national team. He once expressed his desire to take on this job for the first time in 2009, but it was not until 15 years later that he was officially appointed head coach.
Without prior professional coaching experience, Barbarez entered a new role at the age of 52 with no small doubts. However, as a former captain and a symbol loved by fans, he brought promises of honesty, emotional connection and a comprehensive reform after many years of chaos for the Bosnian national team.
After victories against Wales and Italy in the play-offs, Barbarez's position has increased significantly. The victory over Italy even turned him from a "poker player" into one of the most influential sports figures in Bosnia & Herzegovina history.
Star
At the age of 40, Edin Dzeko is still the greatest inspiration of Bosnia & Herzegovina. He continues to be the greatest player in national history, the top scorer and a role model for a generation.
Young players in the national team always have almost absolute respect for Dzeko. Although no longer dominating physically like at his peak at Wolfsburg or Manchester City, this veteran striker still possesses the ability to choose positions, feel the time and create influence in decisive moments.
Notable faces
Kerim Alajbegovic, at the age of 18, is considered the most natural attacking talent Bosnia & Herzegovina has produced since Miralem Pjanic.
This young midfielder spent a season in the Red Bull Salzburg shirt before Bayer Leverkusen activated a contract release clause to recruit him. What makes Alajbegovic special is not only in technique, but also in confidence and fighting spirit.
Barbarez gave the 18-year-old the responsibility of taking penalties in both play-off penalties, and Alajbegovic responded with incredible coldness.
Elegant in ball handling and completely not afraid of pressure, Alajbegovic is expected to become a typical face for the next generation of Bosnian football.
The silent hero
Bosnia & Herzegovina for many years has often produced center-backs who prioritize defense, instead of focusing on playing ability. However, Tarik Muharemovic seems to be the product of a completely different mindset.
Born in Slovenia, grown up in Austria and developing his career in Italy in Juventus and Sassuolo, this left-footed defender is gradually becoming one of the most trusted factors by Barbarez.
Muharemovic is not a center-back who is too noisy or plays football full of collisions like the typical model in the Balkans. Instead, he resolves situations with composure, the ability to pull the ball up the front line and calmness in his playing style.
