Dzeko is one of two players, along with Sead Kolasinac, named in the squad who featured in Bosnia's only other appearance at FIFA's main event in 2014. 

Bosnia was eliminated in the group stage in Brazil 12 years ago, losing to Argentina and Nigeria before winning its final game against Iran 3-1 in Salvador. 

It qualified for this year's tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico through the play-offs, beating Wales before edging four-time champion Italy on penalties. 

Dzeko arrives at the World Cup having helped Schalke achieve promotion back to the Bundesliga, where he netted six goals in 10 appearances in Germany's second tier.

He is also Bosnia's all-time leading goalscorer, finding the back of the net 73 times in 148 outings since making his debut against Turkiye in 2007. 

Another notable name in Sergej Barbarez's ranks is PSV's Esmir Bajraktarevic, with the 21 year-old enjoying a fine individual campaign for the Eredivisie champion.

Bajraktarevic registered eight goal involvements (four goals, four assists) in 28 league appearances, only eight of which were starts, while he also completed 21 dribbles, the fifth-highest tally for PSV in 2025-2026. 

Bosnia begins its campaign on 12 June against co-host Canada, before clashes against Switzerland and Qatar to round off its Group B matches.