A United Front for the World Cup

The sun beats down on the outskirts of East Sarajevo, a quiet stretch of road that serves as a crossroads between Republika Srpska and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is a symbolic location for a meeting about football, a sport that has recently stitched the country’s fractured political entities closer together. Bosnia and Herzegovina is preparing for its first match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 12, a moment of national pride that transcends borders.

The destination is a modest hotel café near a gas station, where Amar Osim waits behind floor-to-ceiling windows. Amar is the son of Ivica Osim, the legendary coach who guided the national team to its first World Cup in 2014 and later managed clubs across Europe and Asia. Ivica’s death in 2016 left a void in Bosnian football, but his spirit remains a guiding force for the current squad.

The Weight of Expectation

For Amar, watching the modern team prepare for Qatar is bittersweet. He recalls his father’s meticulous preparation and the joy he felt when Bosnia qualified for their debut tournament. "Ivica wanted to show the world that Bosnia could compete with the best," Amar says. "Today, the players carry that same dream. They know the history, and they know what is expected of them."

Edin Dzeko, the team’s captain and one of the most recognizable faces in Balkan football, shares this sentiment. Having played under various coaches, Dzeko often cites Ivica Osim as a mentor who taught him the importance of resilience. "Ivica showed us that football is about heart," Dzeko notes. "When we step on the pitch, we play for the fans, for the country, and for the legacy left by those who came before us."

Football as a Unifying Force

In a country still navigating the complexities of its post-war identity, football serves as a rare unifying language. The upcoming World Cup match has sparked a wave of optimism, with fans from all ethnic backgrounds gathering to support the national team. This shared passion offers a glimpse of what Bosnia and Herzegovina could be when politics take a backseat to sport.

As the team gears up for the tournament, the shadow of Ivica Osim looms large. His tactical innovations and passion for the game remain a blueprint for success. Whether Bosnia can replicate that historic qualification remains to be seen, but the desire to honor the past is palpable. For Amar Osim and Edin Dzeko, the goal is clear: to play with the same courage and determination that defined their predecessors.