At the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Bosnia and Herzegovina captured the world's imagination. Led by the attacking trio of Miralem Pjanić, Vedad Ibišević, and Edin Džeko, they scored 30 goals in qualifying, stormed to the top of their group, and completed a fairytale run for a nation of just 3 million people. In Brazil, they earned their first-ever World Cup victory (3-1 over Iran), bowing out of Group F with their heads held high.

But the success was short-lived. Since Euro 2016, Bosnia has missed five consecutive major tournaments. In 2022 World Cup qualifying, they didn't even make the playoffs. Just as many had written them off, head coach Sergej Barbarez — a young tactician — took over in 2024 and quietly began a rebuild.

In European qualifying, Bosnia was drawn into Group H alongside Croatia, Wales, and others. After eight matches, they finished with 5 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss — 17 points — securing second place and a playoff berth. Their home form was especially strong: 3 wins and 1 draw in 4 matches. In the playoff semifinals, Bosnia outlasted Wales in a penalty shootout.

Then came the decisive playoff final: a winner-take-all clash against traditional powerhouse Italy. After 120 grueling minutes, Bosnia held firm. In the penalty shootout, they stunned the four-time world champions on home soil, clinching a World Cup berth for the first time in 12 years. Italy, meanwhile, will miss its third consecutive World Cup.

This Bosnian side has no global superstars — but it has Edin Džeko (Schalke 04). The 40-year-old legendary captain returned to Germany in the winter of 2025 and promptly delivered 9 goals and 3 assists in 9 matches, helping Schalke secure promotion back to the Bundesliga with two matches to spare. For his country, Džeko has amassed 74 goals and 30 assists in 151 appearances. Across the two playoff matches, he played all 210 minutes and was directly involved in two goals — nearly single-handedly carrying Bosnia to the World Cup. This will be his second World Cup, and almost certainly his last. Alongside him, veterans Miralem Pjanić and Sead Kolašinac — both with years of experience at Europe's highest levels — provide leadership and quality.

At the 2026 World Cup, Bosnia has been drawn into Group B alongside co-hosts Canada, European power Switzerland, and 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar. There is no traditional superpower in Group B. All four teams are relatively balanced, making this a true "Group of Death." Each team has a realistic chance to advance, but none has a decisive edge. As it stands, Switzerland is the strongest on paper. Canada has the advantage of playing at home. Bosnia and Qatar will likely battle for the third-place spot in the group.