Bosnia and Herzegovina is a state located in the Balkan Peninsula, bordered by Croatia and Serbia. As far as sports are concerned, their most popular sport is undeniably football. They have been playing football in the B&H since the early 20th century and its influence grew significantly post World War II.

Although athletes from this region have been involved in international sport previously, they did not compete under their own name until the break up of Yugoslavia in 1991, as was also Slovenia, Macedonia, Croatia and Serbia-Montenegro.

"Bosnia and Herzegovina's sporting culture reflects its complex history. The transition from being part of Yugoslavia to competing independently has given the nation a unique determination to establish its own sporting identity on the world stage."
— As Robert Wood, founder of Topend Sports, notes

Though football is basically their national sport, they have not done well internationally. The Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team was not able to qualify for any football championship until the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. The country has produced some great footballers over the years, but many chose to represent other nations, such as Mario Stanić (who played for Croatia) and Mile Mitić (Serbia). More examples of these includes Vladimir Radmanović, Zoran Savić, Savo Milošević, Aleksandar Nikolić and Zoran Planinić.

Basketball is also quite popular in B&H and their national basketball club, the KK Bosna and the former Yugoslav national basketball team, have won European basketball championships since 1963 all the way to 1990. B&H basketball players that have made some waves internationally include Mirza Teletović who played NBA for the Brooklyn Nets and the emerging talent Jusuf Nurkić of the Denver Nuggets.

Bosnia and Herzegovina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Bosnia and Herzegovina have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup ahead of countries like Italy, Wales, Poland, and Turkey. The Dragons were grouped alongside Canada, Qatar, and Switzerland in Group B of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Did You Know?

KK Bosna won the 1979 FIBA European Champions Cup, making it one of the most successful basketball clubs from the former Yugoslavia.

Learn More About Basketball →

Sporting Success for Bosnia and Herzegovina

  • Qualified for the 2014 FIFA World Cup
  • KK Bosna won the 1979 FIBA European Champions Cup
  • Qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Olympics

Bosnia and Herzegovina participated in the Summer Olympic Games under their current flag for the first time in the Barcelona Olympics in 1992. As the present B&H, they have not yet received an Olympic medal but have contributed to the Yugoslavian Olympic delegation since 1956. They brought in a total of 5 gold, 6 silver, and 4 bronze medals while they were under the Yugoslavian flag.

"The contribution of Bosnian and Herzegovinian athletes to the Yugoslav Olympic legacy is often overlooked. Fifteen medals across multiple sports demonstrate the depth of talent that existed in the region long before independence."
— According to sports science expert Robert Wood, who has analyzed sports performance data for over 25 years

Great Athletes from Bosnia and Herzegovina

  • Safet Sušić (Football) - Legendary midfielder and former B&H national team manager
  • Hasan Salihamidžić (Football) - Bayern Munich legend and current sporting director
  • Meho Kodro (Football) - Prolific striker who played in Spain's La Liga
  • Edin Dzeko (Football) - B&H's all-time leading scorer, played for Manchester City, Roma, and Inter Milan
  • Mirza Teletovic (Basketball) - NBA player for the Brooklyn Nets

Football Heritage

Many talented Bosnian footballers chose to represent other nations, including Mario Stanić (Croatia) and Savo Milošević (Serbia), reflecting the country's complex post-Yugoslav identity.

Explore Football →

Bosnia and Herzegovina Sports Trivia

  • The 1984 Winter Olympic Games were held in Sarajevo, the current capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina though it was a part of Yugoslavia at the time

Bosnia and Herzegovina at Major Events

Past Sporting Events Hosted in Bosnia and Herzegovina

  • 1984 Sarajevo Winter Olympic Games
  • 2011 51st World Military Skiing Championship, Sarajevo
  • 2019 European Youth Olympic Winter Festival (EYOWF), in Sarajevo and East Sarajevo

Winter Sports Legacy

The 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo remains one of the most iconic moments in B&H sporting history and helped establish the city as an international sports venue.

Winter Olympics History →

Upcoming Sporting Events in Bosnia and Herzegovina

  • 2026 Roobet European Open Pool Championship: This event will be held in Sarajevo from March 10-15, 2026
  • Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series: This event will be held in Mostar from July 31 to August 1, 2026
"The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification represents a watershed moment for Bosnian football. Finishing ahead of established footballing nations like Italy and Turkey confirms that B&H is no longer just an emerging force — they are genuine contenders."
— Robert J. Wood's research at Topend Sports

Annual Sporting Events Held in Bosnia and Herzegovina

  • Premier League of Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Sarajevo Half Marathon
  • Giro di Sarajevo
  • BH Telecom Indoors - annual tennis tournament

Sporting Facilities in Bosnia and Herzegovina

  • Grbavica Stadium
  • Otoka Stadion

Below are details of sports, sporting events and sports people related to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Is there something missing? If you know of something that should be listed here, please let us know.