Edin Džeko Retired Following Bosnia and Herzegovina Draw
The veteran striker played his final international match as Bosnia and Herzegovina finished 1-1 against Sweden.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Soccer
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Edin Džeko concluded his decorated career with the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team after a 1-1 draw against Sweden in the UEFA Nations League. The match, held in Zenica, marked the end of his record-setting tenure.
Why it matters
Džeko leaves the international stage as a definitive figure in his nation's football history, having served as a key offensive anchor for over a decade. His departure signals a transition phase for the squad as they continue group B4 competition.
Edin Džeko retires with a career total of 152 caps and 73 goals for his national team. In the UEFA Nations League group B4 standings, Sweden currently holds seven points, followed by Bosnia and Herzegovina with five.
The players
Edin Džeko
He is a prolific veteran striker who served as the long-time captain and record goal-scorer for the Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team.
Viktor Gyökeres
He is a Swedish international forward who provided the opening goal during the Nations League match.
Kerim Alajbegović
He is a midfielder who scored the equalizer for Bosnia and Herzegovina during the second half of the match.
The details
Viktor Gyökeres opened the scoring for Sweden in the 61st minute after an assist from Bernhardsson. Bosnia and Herzegovina secured the draw in the 80th minute when a cross from Kerim Alajbegović found the net directly.
Timeline
The match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Sweden took place on October 2, 2026.
The fourth round of group B4 matches is scheduled for October 5, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This draw keeps Bosnia and Herzegovina within striking distance of group leaders Sweden in the UEFA Nations League standings. The result maintains a competitive balance in group B4 as Poland and Romania prepare for their next respective fixtures.
Bosnia and Herzegovina earned one point from the draw, bringing their group total to five. Džeko's retirement officially removes him from contention for any future national team roster selections or player availability metrics.
The takeaway
Džeko's retirement marks the end of an era for Bosnia and Herzegovina's national football program. Fans and analysts will look to see how the squad reconfigures its offensive strategy without its primary record-holder in upcoming fixtures.
What happens next
Bosnia and Herzegovina will face Poland, while Romania plays Sweden, during the fourth round of group B4 matches on October 5, 2026.
Further reading
For more updates on international tournaments, visit our Soccer section.
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