The President of the Football Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Vico Zeljković, congratulated the national team after their historic qualification for the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup, emphasizing that this success belongs to the entirety of Bosnian and Herzegovinian football.
In a message published after the team’s great triumph, Zeljković highlighted that Bosnia and Herzegovina has reached the World Cup knockout phase for the very first time, achieving a goal that had seemed out of reach for years.
“The national team of Bosnia and Herzegovina has qualified for the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time. What seemed so distant and unattainable for years has today become a reality. This historic success has been written in capital letters.”
According to him, this result represents a collective success for everyone who has contributed to the development of football in Bosnia and Herzegovina over the years.
“This is a success for the entirety of Bosnian and Herzegovinian football. It is a success that belongs to all generations of players who have worn this jersey, to the coaches, club staff, and everyone who believed that our football belongs at the very top.”
Zeljković extended his congratulations to the national team players, the captain, the head coach and his staff, as well as the Federation’s management and all employees who contributed to this result.
“Sincere congratulations to our national team players and the captain, the head coach and his staff, the national team director, the vice presidents of the Federation, members of the Executive Board, the Federation’s administration, and everyone who through their hard work, dedication, and devotion contributed to this historic success.”
He emphasized that qualifying for the knockout stage of the World Cup is the crowning achievement of years of work dedicated to improving domestic competitions, infrastructure, and the international results of Bosnian and Herzegovinianclubs.
“Today, we celebrate the football history that we have written together.”
He also recalled the success of Bosnian clubs on the European stage, highlighting that placing among the world’s elite teams is the greatest achievement that international football can bring.
“After raising the level of domestic competitions, improving the infrastructure, and achieving historic success with our clubs through Zrinjski and Borac qualifying for the UEFA competition group stages, today we have achieved the ultimate goal that international football can offer – the historic qualification of the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team for the knockout stage of the World Cup.”
In the end, he stated that the Federation has a clear strategy for the upcoming period.
“We also have a clear vision, plan, and direction for the development of Bosnian football in the years to come.”
