Bosnia and Herzegovina arrive at the 2026 World Cup for only the second time in their history. Their debut came in Brazil in 2014, drawn into Group F alongside Argentina, Nigeria, and Iran. They fell to Argentina two goals to one and to Nigeria one nil before signing off with a three to one victory over Iran, exiting in the group stage. That sole appearance nonetheless announced their arrival on the world stage, and the Dragons return to football's biggest tournament twelve years on.

Bosnia reached North America through a punishing UEFA playoff gauntlet in March 2026. They first faced Wales in Cardiff on 26 March, where a Daniel James finish put the home side ahead before the 40 year old captain Edin Dzeko headed in a late equalizer to force extra time. Bosnia won the shootout four to two, with Kerim Alajbegovic converting the decisive kick. Four days later, hosting Italy in Zenica, they again fell behind to a Moise Kean finish, before Alessandro Bastoni was sent off and Haris Tabaković equalized in the 79th minute. Bosnia then beat Italy four to one in the shootout to reach their second World Cup.