Zeljković congratulates players and coaching staff: They showed character, quality, and unity when it was most needed

(Patria) - The President of the Football Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Vico Zeljković, stated that tonight's victory of the BiH national team over the Italian selection and qualification for the 2026 World Cup is a great success for BiH football.

"This is a great success for our football and confirmation of everything we have been building in the past period. I congratulate the players and the coaching staff on their outstanding performances and deserved qualification for the World Cup. They showed character, quality, and unity when it was most needed. From the very beginning, together with director Emir Spahić and coach Sergej Barbarez, we set a clear long-term goal – qualification for EURO 2028. However, we have already made a step forward and secured a place in a major competition," said Zeljković.

According to him, it is particularly encouraging that we have built a system and formed a team that has the potential to play a significant role in European and world football in the next ten years.

"New challenges lie ahead of us, but also an opportunity to progress further and represent BiH football with dignity at the biggest football gathering. Once again, I congratulate everyone on this great success – this is just the beginning," said Zeljković.

The President of the Football Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina announced that a press conference will be held on April 1st at 2:00 PM at the Federation's premises regarding Bosnia and Herzegovina's qualification for the World Cup.

Bosnia and Herzegovina has qualified for the 2026 World Cup after the Dragons tonight defeated the four-time world champions Italy at the Bilino polje Stadium in Zenica, in a dramatic finish after penalties.

The Dragons will compete in Group B at the World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada with the selections of Canada, Qatar, and Switzerland.

Bosnia and Herzegovina will play in the World Cup for the second time, after 2014 when they made their debut at the biggest football gathering in the world in Brazil.