Bosnia and Herzegovina

U.S. Soccer has offered head coach Mauricio Pochettino a four-year contract extension to remain with the USMNT through the 2030 World Cup, following the team's best-ever group stage performance at the 2026 World Cup, which ended in a Round of 16 exit to Belgium. Negotiations have been ongoing for three months, with Pochettino deferring a decision until after the tournament despite interest from AC Milan. The offer aims to lock in his cultural transformation of the team, emphasizing discipline and professionalism.

9 reports · 4 sources · Updated Jul 29, 12:41 PM UTC

Bayer Leverkusen’s 18-year-old Bosnian attacking midfielder Kerim Alajbegović is nearing a €40 million transfer to Chelsea, driven by new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, who previously coached him at Leverkusen. The deal includes €35 million fixed plus add-ons. Alajbegović, a World Cup participant, impressed on loan at RB Salzburg. Juventus has also raised its offer above €30 million, intensifying competition. The transfer is expected to be finalized this weekend.

13 reports · 4 sources · Updated Jul 30, 10:30 AM UTC

Bosnia and Herzegovina has signed a contract with Turkish defense manufacturer ASELSAN to acquire 10 KANGAL/ADL 100 radio-frequency jamming systems, expanding its anti-drone capabilities. The deal follows Turkey's donation of a KANGAL FPV Anti-Drone System to Bosnia in May 2025. The KANGAL/ADL 100 uses active RF jamming to sever drone control links, video feeds, and data transmissions, while also jamming GPS and GLONASS satellite navigation signals. The system provides 1.5 hours of continuous jamming on a single battery charge. Bosnian Defense Minister Zukan Helez signed the agreement with ASELSAN CEO Ahmet Akyol. The acquisition is part of a broader pattern of Turkish military support to Bosnia over the past 18 months, including Bayraktar TB2 drones, Kirpi II armored vehicles, and training. The financial terms of the deal remain unclear, with some sources calling it a donation and others an acquisition contract.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 07:22 AM UTC

Bosnia and Herzegovina has signed a contract with Turkish defense manufacturer ASELSAN to acquire 10 KANGAL/ADL 100 radio-frequency jamming systems, expanding its anti-drone capabilities. The deal follows a previous donation of a KANGAL FPV Anti-Drone System in May 2025. The KANGAL/ADL 100 uses active RF jamming to disrupt drone control links, video feeds, and GPS/GLONASS signals, providing 1.5 hours of continuous operation. The agreement was signed by Bosnian Defense Minister Zukan Helez and ASELSAN CEO Ahmet Akyol. This acquisition is part of a broader pattern of Turkish military support to Bosnia over the past 18 months, including Bayraktar TB2 drones and Kirpi II armored vehicles, aimed at strengthening Bosnia's defense capabilities amid domestic political sensitivities.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 07:22 AM UTC

USMNT forward Folarin Balogun received a controversial red card in a World Cup Round of 32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, initially triggering a one-match suspension that would sideline him for the Round of 16 against Belgium. After former President Donald Trump publicly thanked FIFA for overturning the ban, FIFA deferred Balogun's suspension for one year, allowing him to play. The decision sparked backlash from Belgium’s coach and football associations, raising questions about political interference in sports governance.

172 reports · 28 sources · Updated Jul 28, 03:26 AM UTC

The Group of Copenhagen, an independent anti-match-fixing body under the Council of Europe, issued seven "yellow notices" about potential betting irregularities during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Flagged incidents include a $4.8 million Polymarket bet on Spain not beating Cape Verde, a red card to South Africa’s Themba Zwane, and a suspicious Polymarket market opened on US striker Folarin Balogun’s availability after his red card. FIFA’s Integrity Task Force reported no suspicious activity, but the Group has requested clarification. Nearly $240 billion was bet on the tournament.

9 reports · 7 sources · Updated Jul 24, 11:14 AM UTC

The famous statistics website Squawka has released a ranking of yellow cards issued in single matches of the 2026 World Cup. The list is topped by the Round of 16 match between Canada and Morocco, which saw 8 yellow cards. Following closely are two group stage matches: USA vs Australia and Egypt vs Iran, each with 7 cards. Other notable matches include USA vs Paraguay, Ecuador vs Curacao, and Mexico vs England (Round of 16), each with 6 cards. The ranking also includes matches with 5 cards, such as Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina, DR Congo vs Uzbekistan, Brazil vs Japan (Round of 32), and Colombia vs Ghana (Round of 32). The data was shared via X (formerly Twitter) and reported by Hupu Soccer on July 22.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 08:49 AM UTC

The Guardian rounds up the stranger photographs from the 2026 World Cup tournament. Highlights include 'Merlin' the duck, who became a viral mascot in Mexico, met President Claudia Sheinbaum, was banned from a match, and featured on a commemorative lottery ticket. Other images show an Ecuador player mimicking Edvard Munch's 'The Scream', container cranes in Seattle welcoming Bosnia and Herzegovina and Qatar, a sheep among fans celebrating Mexico's victory over Czechia, a Thai fan with a Kylian Mbappé haircut, an England fan in a baked bean and fried egg head covering, a Mexico fan in a toy Cybertruck with his dog, DJ Steve Aoki caking a presenter at half-time of the Norway v England quarter-final, and a panda at Taipei City Zoo enjoying a World Cup-themed ice cake. The gallery captures the lighter, more unusual moments of the global sporting event.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 07:00 AM UTC

La Liga president Javier Tebas has criticized FIFA's governance following a controversial incident during the 2026 World Cup. US forward Folarin Balogun received a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, triggering an automatic one-match ban. US President Donald Trump directly called FIFA to request a review, leading the disciplinary committee to suspend Balogun's ban under a one-year probation, clearing him to face Belgium. Tebas stated that FIFA was 'lucky' Belgium eliminated the USA 4-1 in the Round of 16, because otherwise the scandal could have cost FIFA President Gianni Infantino his job. Tebas called the suspension of the ban 'absolutely serious' and said it was 'just the tip of the iceberg' regarding FIFA's issues. The article notes that many nations opposed the USMNT after the incident, with Belgium trolling Trump after their victory.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 02:46 PM UTC

The article analyzes escalating transatlantic tensions specifically in the Balkans, where Europe has taken steps to stifle American involvement. Key events include the first-ever failure of the U.S. and Europe to agree on the next international envoy to Bosnia and Herzegovina, with European diplomats rejecting a U.S.-backed Italian candidate in favor of a French official. The EU has also opposed a U.S.-backed LNG pipeline project in Bosnia, warning it could jeopardize EU membership and aid. Additionally, European institutions coordinated to block a luxury hotel project in Serbia led by Jared Kushner, President Trump's son-in-law and U.S. Special Envoy for Peace, forcing his withdrawal. The article argues these actions represent a coordinated European effort to undermine U.S. policy and investment in the region, risking a serious diplomatic row.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 08:18 PM UTC

The day after Spain's 1-0 victory over Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final, FIFA announced the 12 shortlisted goals for the tournament's most beautiful goal award. Among the 308 total goals scored across 48 teams in 16 stadiums across three host countries, the selection includes Kylian Mbappé's powerful strike against Senegal, which made him the top scorer in French national team history. Other notable nominees include Lionel Messi's first goal of the tournament against Algeria and Jude Bellingham's solo run through the French defense during the France-England match. The article lists several candidates including Kerim Alajbegović of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Julian Alvarez of Argentina, though specific video content requires cookie consent to display.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 03:44 PM UTC

This analysis examines the stalled EU integration of Western Balkan countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia) beyond technical accession criteria. It argues that unresolved legacies of the 1990s wars, contested historical interpretations, and insufficient regional cooperation hinder democratic consolidation and reconciliation. The article highlights that dealing with the past—through war crimes prosecution, truth commissions, and memory politics—remains a formal EU membership requirement under the Stabilisation and Association Process. However, mutual mistrust and ethno-political tensions persist, trapping the region between 'Europeanisation' and 'Balkanisation'. The experiences of Germany and Austria with Vergangenheitsbewältigung are cited as models. The piece concludes that the EU's approach has shifted from post-war reconstruction to enlargement policy, but internal EU divisions and rising populism complicate the process.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 09:44 AM UTC

This analysis examines the stalled EU integration of Western Balkan countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Slovenia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia) despite the 2003 Thessaloniki Summit promise. It argues that unresolved legacies of the 1990s wars, including contested historical interpretations, mutual mistrust, and incomplete reconciliation, hinder democratisation and regional cooperation. The article highlights that dealing with the past—through war crimes prosecution, truth commissions, and memory politics—is both a moral imperative and a formal EU membership requirement under the Stabilisation and Association Process. It notes that only Slovenia (2004) and Croatia (2013) have joined the EU, while others face stagnation due to ethno-political tensions and 'Balkanisation' tendencies. The piece suggests that Europe's model of addressing the past (Vergangenheitsbewältigung) offers lessons, but internal EU divisions and rising populism complicate the process. The transformation of EU policy from post-war reconstruction to enlargement conditionality is seen as key to progress.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 09:44 AM UTC

This analysis examines the stalled EU integration of Western Balkan countries, arguing that unresolved historical grievances and insufficient reconciliation efforts are major obstacles. Despite the 2003 Thessaloniki Summit pledge that the Balkans' future lies in the EU, only Slovenia and Croatia have joined. The article highlights how contested historical interpretations, ethno-political tensions, and mutual mistrust hinder regional cooperation and democratic consolidation. It discusses the importance of transitional justice mechanisms—such as war crimes prosecution, truth commissions, and memory politics—as formal EU membership requirements. The piece contrasts the region's 'Europeanisation' efforts with persistent 'Balkanisation' tendencies, noting that unresolved war legacies undermine institutional trust and fuel emigration. It also references Germany and Austria's 'Vergangenheitsbewältigung' as a model, and calls for a shift from viewing the region as a foreign policy issue to a genuine enlargement priority.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 09:44 AM UTC

The future of 40-year-old Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko at Schalke 04 remains unresolved as the new Bundesliga season approaches. After joining from Fiorentina in the winter transfer window and helping the team gain promotion, Dzeko's contract extension, once seen as a formality, has hit major obstacles. Schalke's sporting director Frank Baumann held talks with Dzeko, but the gap on a new contract is wide, especially over salary demands. Dzeko wants to be among the team's top earners, a heavy burden for a newly promoted club. Injury issues also concern management. Additionally, Schalke will not guarantee Dzeko a starting role, offering only a 'super-sub' position, which the former Manchester City, Roma, and Inter Milan striker finds hard to accept. With training camp beginning and less than a month until the season, Dzeko has been a free agent since July 1. Coach Miron Muslic said they are letting Dzeko digest his frustration while maintaining communication.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 02:20 AM UTC

Bosnian media outlet Faktor exclusively reports that Bosnia national team winger Kerim Alajbegovic will leave Bayer Leverkusen this summer. Initially linked with Atalanta, the situation has shifted as Premier League club Chelsea, under manager Xabi Alonso, has shown strong interest in the player, dubbed the 'Bosnian Dragon'. Chelsea's interest has put other potential moves on hold, and a transfer to England is considered highly likely, with a decision expected soon. Meanwhile, Alajbegovic will travel to Bugojno for a welcome ceremony after participating in the World Cup.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 10:57 PM UTC

Mauricio Pochettino announced he will decide next week whether to remain as USMNT head coach after his contract expired following the 2026 World Cup. U.S. Soccer offered him an extension before the tournament, and CEO JT Batson expressed optimism about retaining the Argentine manager. Pochettino led the U.S. to group-stage wins over Paraguay and Australia, a round-of-32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, but a 4-1 round-of-16 loss to Belgium ended their campaign. He has been involved in federation long-term planning, including the hiring of Steve Cherundolo as Olympic team coach. Pochettino joined U.S. Soccer in September 2024 and guided the team to a Gold Cup final in 2025.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 07:05 PM UTC

Leeds United has agreed a €40 million (£34.1 million) fee with Italian club Sassuolo for Bosnia-Herzegovina international defender Tarik Muharemovic. The 23-year-old center-back is set to undergo a medical and finalize personal terms. Juventus, which holds a 50% sell-on clause from Muharemovic’s previous transfer, will receive €20 million. The move would make Muharemovic Leeds’ second summer signing, replacing Pascal Struijk.

13 reports · 5 sources · Updated Jul 18, 04:46 AM UTC

FIFA has appointed Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic to officiate the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium on July 19. The 46-year-old, assisted by fellow Slovenians, has officiated high-profile matches including the 2024 Champions League final. Controversy surrounds his selection due to a 2020 arrest in Bosnia during a raid on an adult party involving drugs and prostitution, though he was not charged. Spanish media have also criticized his recent performance.

30 reports · 10 sources · Updated Jul 30, 08:05 PM UTC

FIFA has officially announced that Venezuelan referee Jesus Valenzuela will officiate the third-place match of this year's World Cup between France and England. The 42-year-old referee will be assisted by fellow Venezuelans Jorge Urrego and Tulio Moreno as assistant referees. The fourth official is Jalal Jayed from Morocco, with Zakaria Brinsi serving as reserve assistant referee. Valenzuela has officiated three matches in this World Cup: Australia 2-0 Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina 3-1 Qatar, and Ivory Coast 1-2 Norway. The announcement was made via FIFA's official channels and reported by Hupu Football News.

1 reports · 1 sources

Real Zaragoza will begin preseason on Thursday without Bosnian international striker Samed Bazdar and Peter Ademo. Bazdar, who played in the 2022 World Cup for Bosnia, is on vacation in Serbia after being eliminated by the United States on July 2. He has club permission to return on July 23, missing medical tests and initial pitch work under coach Ibai Gómez. Bazdar is one of two guaranteed departures this transfer window, alongside Adrián Liso, though Liso will attend preseason. Real Zaragoza has rejected two offers for Bazdar, including a loan from Sturm Graz with a €1 million purchase option, seeking to recover the €3 million investment. The club may accept a loan with mandatory purchase. Peter Ademo is absent due to bureaucratic procedures. Reserve players Marcos Manolache (goalkeeper) and Diego Monzón (midfielder) will train with the first team during preseason.

1 reports · 1 sources

Italian Serie A club Atalanta is actively negotiating to sign 18-year-old Bosnian winger Kerim Alajbegovic from Bayer Leverkusen for a reported €25 million plus bonuses. The player, who impressed at the 2026 World Cup, has submitted a transfer request and is convinced by Atalanta’s plans, citing more playing time and the presence of compatriot Sead Kolasinac. Talks are ongoing to lower Leverkusen’s asking price, though the deal’s complexity may delay a quick agreement.

6 reports · 4 sources · Updated Jul 15, 10:12 AM UTC

The European Union has opened accession negotiations with Moldova in the fields of foreign policy and defence, also covering trade policy and humanitarian aid. Irish Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence Thomas Byrne announced the milestone during the Irish Presidency, noting that the pace of work demonstrates the EU's commitment to enlargement. Moldova has held EU candidate status since June 2022, with formal accession negotiations launched in June 2024. In June 2026, negotiations began on the 'fundamentals' cluster, covering rule of law, fundamental rights, justice, freedom, security, democratic institutions, public administration reform, and market economy functioning. The article lists current EU candidate countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Moldova, Serbia, Türkiye, and Ukraine. The accession process remains lengthy and requires extensive reforms, with the latest decision opening two clusters for Ukraine and Moldova.

1 reports · 1 sources

USMNT striker Folarin Balogun received a controversial red card during a World Cup round-of-32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, initially sidelining him for the round-of-16 match against Belgium. President Donald Trump admitted requesting FIFA President Gianni Infantino review the decision. FIFA subsequently overturned the suspension, placing Balogun on one-year probation, sparking backlash from Belgium and accusations of political interference. Balogun, the US team's top scorer with three goals, is now eligible to play.

11 reports · 5 sources · Updated Jul 14, 05:32 PM UTC

In a 2026 World Cup Round of 32 match at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, USMNT striker Folarin Balogun scored a goal against Bosnia and Herzegovina, celebrating with LeBron James' "silencer" move. James praised him on social media. However, Balogun was controversially sent off in the second half after a VAR review, resulting in a suspension for the Round of 16 match against Belgium. The US won 2-0.

9 reports · 5 sources · Updated Jul 14, 04:51 AM UTC

Spain's U19 women's football team, led by coach David Aznar and featuring players like Lucía Rivas and Paula Redruello, aims to defend their European title in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The 20-player squad trained in Segovia before departing for Sarajevo for the tournament, starting June 28 against Switzerland. Spain seeks a fifth consecutive championship and eighth overall. Matches are played in Sarajevo and Zenica.

12 reports · 2 sources · Updated Jul 10, 08:33 PM UTC

On May 15, Ambassador Kevin Hamilton, the NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia, met with Major General Maurizio Fronda, the Commander of the European Union Force (EUFOR) in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The discussion focused on the current regional security environment and EUFOR's continued role in supporting stability within the country. Major General Fronda highlighted the effective collaboration between the European Union and NATO under the Berlin Plus Arrangements, emphasizing their complementary efforts to support domestic institutions. He stated that the close cooperation between EUFOR and NATO Headquarters Sarajevo is vital for maintaining peace and ensuring a secure environment for all citizens. The meeting served to reaffirm the strong partnership, information sharing, and joint engagement between the two organizations. Both entities demonstrated their collective commitment to long-term stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina. EUFOR continues to operate under its mandate, maintaining a visible and impartial presence while working closely with national and international partners to support the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina in safeguarding the country's security.

1 reports · 1 sources

On International Family Day, May 15, the Advisory Board of the Institute for Missing Persons of Bosnia and Herzegovina held an event in Sarajevo to highlight the ongoing plight of families searching for over 7,500 individuals missing from the past war. Nikola Perišić, Chairman of the Board, emphasized that Bosnia and Herzegovina accounts for more than 70 percent of all missing persons cases in the former Yugoslavia, underscoring the severity of the tragedy. He noted that remains are frequently discovered in difficult locations such as rivers, pits, and mined areas. The event aimed to demand the right to truth, justice, and dignity for the families, who have endured decades of uncertainty. Midheta Kaloper, Chairwoman of the Advisory Board, expressed the families' dissatisfaction and urged state institutions to prioritize resolving these cases. The Institute stated that while the world celebrates family values, these families face empty chairs and silence, living between hope and loss. They called for an end to political excuses and greater institutional involvement to finally close this painful chapter and allow society to move forward.

1 reports · 1 sources

Forty-year-old Bosnian striker Edin Džeko is evaluating his professional future following a successful half-season with Schalke 04. After joining the German club on a free transfer from Fiorentina in January, Džeko played a pivotal role in securing Schalke's promotion to the Bundesliga, contributing six goals and three assists in ten appearances. With his contract set to expire this summer, the veteran forward faces a critical decision: retire after representing Bosnia and Herzegovina in the upcoming World Cup, extend his stay with Schalke in the top flight, or join another club. Džeko emphasized that discussions with Schalke regarding their future plans are essential before he makes a final choice. He expressed satisfaction with his move, noting that the experience exceeded his expectations and helped him maintain form for national team duties. Despite acknowledging the physical challenges of playing at age 40, Džeko credits his mental strength and rigorous body maintenance for his continued longevity in professional football. He remains open to continuing his career if he feels he can still contribute effectively to the team.

1 reports · 1 sources

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, a growing movement of Islamic feminism is empowering Muslim women to seek greater roles within religious and social structures. Although women are not religiously obligated to attend Friday prayers, increasing numbers are demanding access to mosques, challenging traditional male-dominated cultural norms. Sociologists and academics, such as Dermana Kuric and Zilka Spahic-Siljak from the University of Sarajevo, highlight that these feminists operate within an Islamic framework, reinterpreting the Quran to emphasize justice and autonomy rather than submission. This movement aligns with broader global trends in Islamic feminism since the 1980s. Significant progress includes theological shifts, such as Imam Senaid Zajimovic’s statement rejecting the use of scripture to justify domestic violence. Furthermore, institutional changes are occurring; in April 2026, the Islamic Community’s council in Zenica officially encouraged women to attend Friday prayers at all district mosques. While conservative gender roles persist in some families post-war, these developments mark a slow but steady transformation in the official structures of the Islamic Community, promoting gender equality through religious reinterpretation and active societal participation.

1 reports · 1 sources