Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Sweden will headline Friday’s UEFA Nations League schedule as the teams meet at Bilino Polje in Zenica on October 2, 2026.
The match carries added significance for the hosts because captain Edin Džeko is expected to play his final international match for Bosnia and Herzegovina after almost two decades with the national team.
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Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Sweden match details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Sweden |
| Competition | UEFA Nations League 2026/27 |
| Date | Friday, October 2, 2026 |
| Kick-off | 8:45 p.m. local time |
| Venue | Bilino Polje, Zenica |
| Referee | Oleksii Derevinskyi of Ukraine |
The Football Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina has confirmed the match will begin at 20:45 Central European Time, with the Ukrainian referee team appointed for the fixture.
Džeko prepares for Bosnia farewell
Džeko announced in September that the Sweden match would be his last appearance in the Bosnia and Herzegovina shirt.
The 40-year-old striker is the country’s record appearance holder and leading scorer, with 151 caps and 73 goals listed by the Swedish Football Association ahead of the game.
He has been a central figure in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s rise on the international stage, including the country’s appearances at the 2014 and 2026 FIFA World Cups.
The federation has framed the match as a farewell opportunity for one of the most important players in the country’s football history.
Demand for tickets has reflected the occasion, with the permitted 11,000-seat capacity sold out several weeks before kick-off.
Both teams enter with momentum
Bosnia and Herzegovina opened its Nations League campaign with a goalless draw against Poland before defeating Romania 4-2 in Bucharest on September 28.
That result left Sergej Barbarez’s side with four points from two matches heading into the home meeting with Sweden.
Sweden has made an even stronger start, beating Romania 2-1 before defeating Poland 3-1.
The Swedish side leads the group with six points after two games, while Bosnia and Herzegovina’s results have placed it among the early contenders in the section.
Sweden’s recent victory over Poland featured goals from Benjamin Nygren, Yasin Ayari and Viktor Gyökeres.
Gyökeres has scored twice in the Nations League for Sweden so far, while Alexander Isak, Nygren and Yasin Ayari have also found the net in the competition.
Sweden makes changes before Zenica trip
Sweden will arrive in Bosnia and Herzegovina with several squad changes after illness affected the team during the international window.
The Swedish Football Association said Yasin Ayari, Benjamin Nygren, Gustaf Lagerbielke, Elliot Stroud and Patrik Wålemark would be unavailable for the Zenica match.
Coach Graham Potter called up Felix Beijmo, Samuel Dahl, Hugo Bolin and Ken Sema as replacements.
The match will be Sweden’s first away fixture of this Nations League campaign.
Sweden’s schedule after Zenica includes another away game against Romania on October 5, while Bosnia and Herzegovina is due to host Poland on the same date.
Limited history between the teams
The senior men’s teams have met only once previously, according to the Swedish federation’s match guide.
Sweden won that friendly 4-2 in May 2010 at Råsunda, with Martin Olsson scoring twice and Ola Toivonen and Marcus Berg adding the other Swedish goals.
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s goals came from a side that also included several established national-team players, but the countries have not faced each other in a competitive senior men’s fixture before Friday.
The Nations League meeting therefore represents a new competitive chapter in the matchup, while also giving Bosnia and Herzegovina the chance to mark Džeko’s departure in front of a full home crowd.
What comes next
The teams are scheduled to meet again in Sweden on November 14, giving the two-match series a potential bearing on the final group standings.
Bosnia and Herzegovina will also play Poland on October 5 and Romania on November 17.
Sweden’s remaining group fixtures include Romania on October 5 and Poland on November 17.
For Bosnia and Herzegovina, however, Friday’s match will be judged on two levels: its effect on the Nations League table and the emotional significance of Džeko’s final appearance for the national team.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Sweden?
The UEFA Nations League match is scheduled for Friday, October 2, 2026.
Where will Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Sweden be played?
The match will be played at Bilino Polje Stadium in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
What time does Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Sweden start?
Kick-off is scheduled for 8:45 p.m. local time in Zenica.
Why is the match important for Edin Džeko?
It is expected to be Džeko’s final international appearance for Bosnia and Herzegovina after nearly 20 years with the national team.
How have the teams started the 2026/27 Nations League?
Sweden has won both of its opening matches, while Bosnia and Herzegovina has recorded one draw and one victory.
Fact-Checked: Key match details, scheduling, team form, squad updates and Edin Džeko’s farewell announcement were checked against official federation and UEFA information.
Disclaimer: Squads, line-ups and match circumstances can change before kick-off.