Who is Bosnia and Herzegovina? Cheat sheet, analysis on the USMNT's Round of 32 foe at the World Cup

TORONTO, ONTARIO — Bosnia and Herzegovina have emerged as the official Round of 32 opponent for the United States men's national team at the 2026 World Cup, and that makes it the perfect time to tell a decent story or two about their team while we analyze what the USMNT will face on July 1 in California. I spent some time amongst the Zmajevi supporters back on Matchday 1 of this tournament when they walked into Toronto Stadium and nearly ruined the first home World Cup game in the history of Canada. Like many nations, I'm sure, it was a tale of two fan bases in one — the grateful, joyful, boistrous, 'happy to be there' group in the stands before the game and the volcanic eruption of passion that left dozens of security guards milling about the entrances and exits of the away section in Toronto. And, yes, they sang along loudly when the. viral song "Take Me To America" by Dubioza Kolektiv and Salvatore Ganacci played over the loudspeakers. So who are these Dragons ( Zmajevi ), these Golden Lillies ( Zlatni Ljiljani )? And what kind of test will they give to the host Yanks at 8pm on July 1 in Santa Clara? The Edin Dzeko Effect Former Man City striker Edin Dzeko, 40, has had a heck of a career and he caught the attention of many with a moving post entitled " A Letter to the Children of Bosnia " on the eve of the World Cup. It spoke of the Siege of Sarajevo and how Dzeko was caught in the immense peril as a child. Knowing this post would've resonated with the traveling Bosnian fans, I asked them about Dzeko and learned he matters to them not just as an athlete but as a national hero. "He's our Tom Brady," said Suljo Patkovic, from Bosnia via Florida. "Every time he's out on the field, our hearts grow bigger. He's 40 but he's what we call an umbrella for our team. Hopefully he'll stick around a few years for EURO." "He's a legend, a forever legend," said Ajdin Ljuca. "He's engraved into Bosnia's history forever no matter what. To me one of the greatest strikers to ever play the game." "He's a true leader," said a man named Mirsad who was raised in Bosnia but lives in Iowa. "He's like a father for those young kids. We're so proud of him. Because he's almost at the end of his career, it's really nice to use this tournament to say thanks Dzeko for everything." "Edin is one of the heroes of our country," said Alim Djebo, from Bosnia via Utica, New York. "We weren't sure if he was going to play at this cup. We're fortunate to have him this year and hopefully he plays another one." Dzeko's 150 caps are 35 more than Bosnia's No. 2 — Miralem Pjanic — and his 73 goals are almost 50 more than Vedad Ibisevic. And both of those players are legends . With his goal against Qatar, he's now scored a goal for BNH in 20-straight years going back to 2007. Living legend. The Boss and his tactics Sergej Barbarez, 54, has deployed a 4-4-2 man who has used two defensive midfielders in all three of the group games. A few players have started all of the games: St. Pauli goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj, left back Sead Kolasinac, defensive mid Ivan Basic, Stuttgart striker Ermedin Demirovic, and MLS export Esmir Bajraktarevic. They were kept under a full expected goal in all three group games and out-possessed twice. Their back line was a strength against Canada but was suspect against the Swiss. Schalke back Nikola Katic has been strong, especially in the air, while the big Demirovic has to be watched up top as he's an aerial threat. Yugoslavia did not have a centurion, let alone a player hit 150 caps. USMNT history vs Bosnia and Herzegovina The Americans have played BNH thrice, all friendlies and all since 2013. Jozy Altidore scored a hat trick in a 4-3 win over Zmajevi in Sarajevo in the first meeting. The other two matches were in Carson, Califonia. The sides drew 0-0 in a off-window January friendly, and the U.S. won 1-0 in December 2021. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s history at the World Cup This is just the second World Cup for Bosnia and Herzegovina, though they have a lengthy and celebrated history from their time as a part of Yugoslavia. Back in 2014, they lost to Argentina and Nigeria before beating Iran 3-1 in the final group game, bowing out before the Round of 16. The Bosnians drew Canada 1-1 in their group opener before losing 4-1 to Switzerland in Inglewood, California, and beating Qatar 3-1 in Seattle.