From war to World Cup – Dzeko’s last dance could be Bosnia’s new beginning

Dzeko made his international debut in 2007, and now holds the records for the most appearances (148) and most goals (73) for Bosnia.

After losing to Portugal in the play-offs for both the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012, Dzeko helped Bosnia qualify for their first major tournament since independence.

The 2014 World Cup in Brazil proved to be the first and last for Bosnia’s so-called golden generation, as play-off heartbreak struck again for Euro 2016, 2020 and 2024.

Then, 12 years later, Bosnia overcame their play-off demons by beating Wales and then Italy on penalties having trailed to both.

Ibrulj says: “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 many younger supporters, this is the first team that feels like their team in the same way older generations emotionally belonged to the side of Dzeko, Miralem Pjanic and Emir Spahic.”

For musician Alen Dokic – who has produced a World Cup song under the alias Doppelganger – Bosnia’s qualification is an example of ‘Bosanski Inat’, a cultural mindset of defiance and overcoming adversity.

“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,” says Dokic.

Dokic, born in Rome to Bosnian parents, is part of a Bosnian diaspora thought to be as large as two million people.

Sergej Barbarez’s World Cup squad mixes experience with youth and vibrance. Seventeen of the 26 players were born outside of Bosnia & Herzegovina.

“It’s a unique dynamic of players growing up all over the world but coming back to represent Bosnia,” says former Bosnia goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.

Esmir Bajraktarevic, scorer of the penalty that sent Bosnia to the World Cup, is one such player. The 21-year-old was born and raised in Wisconsin after his parents fled Srebrenica.

“That common interest, common goal, the passion of representing Bosnia plays a big role,” he says. “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 of fans took to the streets and partied until dawn.

“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,” says Ibrulj.