While many teams are still working on preliminary lists, Bosnia and Herzegovina has taken the lead over the other participants and has become the first team to confirm the 26 players called up for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
After achieving a historic qualification by eliminating Italy in the European playoffs, the Balkan team, led by Sergej Barbarez, officially announced the final roster for the World Cup. Additionally, the coach included a reserve list with nine players who will remain on standby for potential injuries before the tournament starts.
The squad's main figure is Edin Džeko, the captain and all-time top scorer of the team, who at 40 years old will face a new World Cup. The forward, currently with Schalke 04, has an extensive career in European football with stints at clubs like Manchester City, Roma, Inter, Fiorentina, and Fenerbahçe.
Among the experienced names is also Sead Kolašinac, a 32-year-old defender who plays for Atalanta and was a Europa League champion, having also played for Arsenal, Olympique de Marseille, and Schalke.
At the same time, the team combines this experience with emerging young talents. One of the most notable cases is Kerim Alajbegović, an 18-year-old left winger who currently plays for Red Bull Salzburg and has already been signed by Bayer Leverkusen in a deal close to eight million euros. In the last season, he has recorded 12 goals and four assists in 43 matches.
With the list finalized and the schedule confirmed, Bosnia and Herzegovina begins to shape its preparation with the goal of being one of the surprises of the tournament. The Balkan team will be in Group B alongside Canada, Switzerland, and Qatar. Their debut will be on June 12 against the host in Toronto, followed by a match against Switzerland on the 18th in Los Angeles, and they will close the initial phase against Qatar on 24th in Seattle.
The 26 from Bosnia
Goalkeepers
Nikola Vasilj
Martin Zlomislić
Osman Hadžikić
Defenders
Sead Kolašinac
Amar Dedić
Nihad Mujakić
Nikola Katić
Tarik Muharemović
Stjepan Radeljić
Dennis Hadžikadunić
