“We didn’t get here by accident”: Dzeko backs Bosnia and Herzegovina to challenge USA
Bosnia and Herzegovina captain Edin Dzeko insisted his team fully deserve their place in the 2026 World Cup knockout stage and will not travel to face the United States just to make up the numbers.
The 40-year-old striker, who previously played for Fenerbahce, spoke to the media ahead of the round of 32 clash against the USA, scheduled for Thursday, 2 July, at 03:00 Turkish time. Dzeko openly admitted that the Americans are the favourites – but stressed that Bosnia and Herzegovina’s presence in the tournament is anything but a fluke.
“Most of their players are in Europe now, at strong clubs,” Dzeko said when asked about the US national team. “That alone shows the level the USA has reached. Bringing in Pochettino as head coach is another big step for them, a really smart move. Yes, the USA are favourites, but we also have quality. We didn’t come here just to be present or arrive by chance. We earned this.”
The veteran forward made a point of highlighting the new generation emerging in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s squad. “We have fantastic players like Esmir and Karim,” he added. “For Esmir, this is only the beginning. He still hasn’t shown everything he can do. I hope he will, maybe already in this match.”
Dzeko underlined that his team has prepared specifically for the speed and verticality of the Americans. “We know they have very fast players,” he explained. “They can run in behind very quickly and stretch you deep. Everyone says they are the favourites, and that’s fine. But knockout football is completely different from the group stage. One moment, one mistake, one piece of brilliance can decide everything.”
The Bosnian captain was also asked about a recent incident on a US television show, where a presenter appeared not to know where Bosnia and Herzegovina is located, later issuing an apology. Dzeko refused to be distracted by the controversy.
“For me, that’s not really about us,” he replied. “It says more about them than about Bosnia and Herzegovina. What really matters is what the players of the US national team think. I’m sure they know we are a good side. We know what kind of team we are as well, and we know we have quality. That’s the only thing that counts going into a game like this.”
“Everyone understands how big this match is”
Right-back Arjan Malic echoed his captain’s words, stressing both the significance of the encounter and the confidence inside the Bosnian camp. The defender believes this is a rare chance to showcase their true level on the biggest stage.
“We’re very excited to be in the knockout rounds,” Malic said. “Everyone understands how big this match is. We are a really good team and we want to show the world who we are. Every time we step onto the pitch, we give more than 100 percent. We will fight for every ball, every chance, every duel. That’s the only way we know how to play.”
Malic pointed out that this tournament has helped the squad mature, especially the younger players experiencing such pressure for the first time. “We’ve grown with every game,” he noted. “You can feel it in training and in the dressing room. The belief is stronger now. We respect the USA, but we are not afraid of anyone.”
Goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj, meanwhile, focused on the tactical challenges his team will face against the United States. He praised the quality of their opponents but made it clear that Bosnia and Herzegovina have a clear defensive plan.
“They are a very strong team with a lot of talented players,” Vasilj said. “We know how dangerous they can be in transitions. They are excellent on the counterattack and they press high very effectively. That’s why it is so important for us to defend as a unit, all eleven players. We’ve already shown we can do that in previous matches, and we will need to do it again, even better.”
According to Vasilj, communication between the back line and midfield will be crucial. “If there is even one gap, they have the pace to exploit it immediately,” he explained. “We must stay compact, keep the lines close, and be brave when we win the ball. The best way to defend is also to keep it and make them run.”
“Incredible” support far from home
Vasilj also spoke emotionally about the fans who have followed Bosnia and Herzegovina throughout the tournament, turning neutral stadiums into something close to home soil.
“It’s truly incredible,” he said. “To feel this kind of support so far from home is something special. In the last two games it almost felt like we were playing in our own country. They push us, they sing for 90 minutes, and that energy goes straight onto the pitch. We want to give them something to remember.”
The players believe that this connection with the supporters can be a hidden weapon against a powerful host nation. The energy from the stands, they say, helps them run a little more, press a little harder, and stay focused in difficult moments.
Not just an underdog story
Inside the Bosnian camp, there is a clear effort to move beyond the simple underdog narrative. The squad is aware that many neutral observers see the USA as clear favourites, but Dzeko and his teammates insist that their journey is built on work, not luck.
Their path to the round of 32 included hard-fought matches, tactical discipline, and key performances from both veterans and young talents. For the players, “we didn’t get here by chance” is not just a phrase: it is a summary of months of preparation, qualification battles, and internal competition for places in the lineup.
Dzeko’s own role embodies that mix of experience and hunger. At 40, he is one of the most seasoned strikers still active at international level, yet his ambition has not diminished. Around him, emerging names like Esmir provide fresh energy and unpredictability, giving Bosnia and Herzegovina more options in attack than in some previous tournaments.
Tactical keys against the USA
From a tactical point of view, Bosnia and Herzegovina are expected to combine compact defending with quick, direct attacks. Dzeko’s ability to hold up the ball and bring midfielders into play remains vital, especially against an American team that presses aggressively and leaves space behind when full-backs push forward.
Set pieces could also become a decisive factor. With tall, physically strong players, Bosnia and Herzegovina have the potential to threaten from corners and free kicks, particularly if the match becomes tight and chances from open play are limited. Dzeko’s aerial presence, along with centre-backs moving up for dead-ball situations, is likely to be one of the main weapons.
On the other hand, dealing with the USA’s pace on the wings will require disciplined positioning from full-backs like Malic and constant support from wingers and central midfielders. Any lapse in concentration could result in dangerous runs in behind and one-on-one situations for Vasilj to face.
Mentality as the deciding factor
Beyond tactics and talent, the Bosnian players repeatedly return to the mental side of the game. For many of them, this is the biggest match of their careers so far, and they emphasise the need to balance passion with composure.
The coaching staff has reportedly focused on keeping the group calm and focused, reminding them that the pressure is mostly on the USA as the host and favourite. Bosnia and Herzegovina, they argue, can use that dynamic to their advantage: play with courage, stay organized, and wait for moments when tension weighs on the opponent.
Dzeko summed up the team’s attitude in simple terms: respect, but no fear. The message from the captain is clear – Bosnia and Herzegovina did not arrive at this stage by coincidence, and they have no intention of leaving quietly. Against a powerful American side, they see an opportunity not only to advance, but to rewrite how the world perceives Bosnian football.