Bosnia and Herzegovina have become the first nation to reveal their complete 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, naming Schalke striker Edin Džeko as captain. The announcement, made by head coach Sergej Barbarez, includes a significant contingent of players with experience in the Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga.
Džeko, at 40 years old, is poised to join Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric as one of only three outfield players to feature in a World Cup after turning 40. He previously represented Bosnia and Herzegovina at the 2014 World Cup, scoring one goal during the tournament. Several other squad members currently play, or have recently played, in Germany’s top two tiers.
Sead Kolašinac of Atalanta is included, notably holding the record for the fastest own-goal in World Cup history, scored in 2014 against Argentina after just two minutes and six seconds. Nikola Katić, also of Schalke, and Ermedin Demirović of VfB Stuttgart are also selected, adding further Bundesliga representation. Kerim Alajbegović, currently with RB Salzburg but set to return to Bayer Leverkusen, is considered a promising young talent within the squad.
Nikola Vasilj, St. Pauli’s starting goalkeeper, faces a crucial weekend as his club battles relegation from the Bundesliga, but is included in the national team setup. Dženis Burnić, currently with Karlsruher SC, has been linked with a move to Augsburg ahead of next season. Armin Gigović, who played for Holstein Kiel last season, also earns a place in Barbarez’s squad. Haris Tabaković, a Borussia Mönchengladbach forward, scored a crucial equalizer against Italy during qualifying.
Bosnia and Herzegovina will begin their World Cup campaign against Canada in Toronto, followed by matches against Switzerland in Inglewood and Qatar in Seattle. The squad represents a blend of experienced players and emerging talents, hoping to make a mark on the expanded 48-team tournament. Argentina and Brazil have released preliminary squads, but Bosnia and Herzegovina are the first to confirm a final 26-man list.
