Edin Dzeko's World Cup swan song could revive Bosnia in 2026

Bosnia-Herzegovina reached their second World Cup with Edin Dzeko leading the charge at age 40.

The legend's final chapter When Edin Dzeko chooses to hang up his boots, the highlights of his career will span decades. Two Premier League titles shine among his trophy haul earned with clubs like Manchester City, Inter Milan, and Wolfsburg. Yet perhaps the most memorable snapshot will be a far more fragile one: after Bosnia-Herzegovina's penalty shootout win over Italy that sealed their second World Cup qualification, Dzeko celebrated gingerly while wearing a supportive arm sling. ## A nation's fighting spirit The wear on his body reflects the journey of a man who for nearly two decades has shouldered the dreams of a country still healing from deep scars. Bosnian journalist Sasa Ibrulj notes, "His career is connected to the country's own image - resilience, persistence and proving people wrong." Drawn in a balanced group alongside Canada, Switzerland, and Qatar, the veteran striker's final act on the pitch may ignite a fresh start for his homeland. Their opening match comes against co-hosts Canada on Friday at 20:00 BST. ## Forge of fire and football Dzeko was six when the Bosnian War erupted in 1992, a conflict that claimed around 80,000 lives among Bosnian Muslims. During the nearly four-year siege of Sarajevo, Serbian snipers targeted civilians including children, forcing his family to cram into a 35-square-meter apartment with 15 relatives. "It was terrible," he recalled to the Guardian. "We were stressed every day in case somebody we knew died." ## Early struggles to global fame After surviving the siege, Dzeko began playing football locally, but one day his mother kept him home when a shell struck the pitch and killed several children. Post-war, he joined Zeljeznicar but early struggles earned him the nickname Kloc, local slang for lamp-post, due to his lanky frame. Czech side Teplice later bought him for just 25,000 euros, a move that seemed too good to be true to Zeljeznicar directors. ## A star who never forgot home Despite later becoming the first player to net at least 50 goals in the Premier League, Bundesliga, and Serie A, Dzeko maintained deep ties to his roots. He donated funds to renovate Zeljeznicar and became Bosnia's first UNICEF ambassador in 2009. "People remember that he did not come from privilege or from a powerful football system," Ibrulj explains. "What makes him different is that people in Bosnia have never experienced him as distant or untouchable." ## The accessible superstar Dzeko's friend Mirza Trbonja told AFP, "When he comes, you need a lasso to catch 10 minutes with him. When someone asks him for a photo or autograph, he never refuses." He made his international debut in 2007 and now holds Bosnia's records for appearances (148) and goals (73). ## From near misses to breakthrough After losing to Portugal in the play-offs for both the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012, Dzeko helped Bosnia reach their first major tournament in 2014. That World Cup in Brazil became the first and only appearance for Bosnia's so-called golden generation. Playoff heartbreak followed for Euro 2016, 2020, and 2024, until Bosnia finally overcame their demons by beating Wales and then Italy on penalties, despite trailing to both. ## A historic return with emotional weight Ibrulj reflects, "2014 felt historic because it was the first generation that truly gave Bosnia international sporting legitimacy after independence. This second qualification feels even heavier emotionally. Bosnia spent more than a decade failing to return, and over those years there was disappointment, pessimism and a growing feeling that the country had missed its moment." For younger fans, this squad feels like their own in a way older generations connected with Dzeko's earlier teams. ## Defiance and pride shape identity Musician Alen Dokic, who produced a World Cup anthem under the alias Doppelganger, sees Bosnia's qualification as a display of 'Bosanski Inat,' a cultural ethos of defiance. "Never forget, never forgive - this is one of the mottos that reminds us who we are, what we have been through, and how resilient we Bosnians are," Dokic states. Born in Rome to Bosnian parents, he belongs to a diaspora estimated at two million people. ## A squad of global Bosnians Sergej Barbarez's World Cup squad blends experience with youthful energy, featuring 17 of the 26 players born outside Bosnia & Herzegovina. "It's a unique dynamic of players growing up all over the world but coming back to represent Bosnia," former goalkeeper Asmir Begovic notes. Esmir Bajraktarevic, scorer of the decisive penalty against Wales, is one such example. The 21-year-old was born and raised in Wisconsin after his parents fled Srebrenica. ## Power of unity after division Bajraktarevic adds, "That common interest, common goal, the passion of representing Bosnia plays a big role. What the country has been through, there's still lingering effects from the conflict and the past. When everyone comes together in Bosnia, it's a pretty unique feeling and really special. For a country so small to compete at this stage is a really big thing." After the Italy match, thousands celebrated in Sarajevo until dawn. ## Why this win carries extra meaning Ibrulj explains, "This is still a country shaped by political division, economic uncertainty and the long shadow of war, so moments of collective joy carry unusual weight." Despite limited investment and sporting infrastructure in a nation of three million, Bosnia's future appears bright. Dzeko's captaincy at this juncture feels fitting as the team enters a new chapter. ## A constant through changing times Ibrulj states, "For younger players he became a constant. Coaches changed, federations changed, generations came and went, but Dzeko remained there. In a country where people often struggle to trust institutions, figures like that become larger than sport itself." Following a leaked video of Italian players allegedly celebrating avoiding Wales in favor of Bosnia, Dzeko demonstrated leadership by urging fans to honor Italy's national anthem, noting they were the first team to visit Bosnia after the war. ## Calm leadership by example Begovic reflects, "He is someone who has big pressure and expectation on him. He galvanises everybody. When I played with him he certainly wasn't the most vocal of leaders but he definitely led by example and I think a lot of people fed off that." Yet Dzeko is not merely a cheerleader at the World Cup. After scoring a late equalizer against Wales and setting up the equalizer against Italy, the 40-year-old proved he still has much to give. ## A dream fulfilled at 40 Dzeko says, "I didn't think I would be playing at 40 - 10 years ago I would've said 'no', but I'm listening to my body and doing a lot of work before and after training to help my body. I am so happy I can do it [go to the World Cup]. It is so amazing for the young players. They don't know it yet, but it will change their lives for sure."