Edin Dzeko leads Bosnia into second World Cup at age 40

Bosnia-Herzegovina have qualified for just their second World Cup, defeating Italy on penalties to secure their place. The team will be led by 40-year-old striker Edin Dzeko, who has been the nation's talisman for nearly two decades.

Dzeko's career includes two Premier League titles with Manchester City, a Bundesliga title with Wolfsburg, and Serie A success with Inter Milan. He is the first player to score at least 50 goals in each of those three leagues.

Born during the Bosnian War, Dzeko's family endured the siege of Sarajevo. He escaped a shelling that killed other children when his mother made him stay home. After the war, he began his career at local club Zeljeznicar before moving to Europe.

Dzeko has given back to his community, making donations to Zeljeznicar and becoming Bosnia's first Unicef ambassador in 2009. His resilience mirrors the nation's own journey from conflict to the world stage.

Bosnia will face Canada, Switzerland, and Qatar in Group C at the 2026 World Cup. Dzeko's experience will be crucial as the team aims to advance beyond the group stage for the first time.