Edin Džeko
CF
Playmaking Forward
Mar 17, 1986 (40)
Right
6'4"
176 lb
Enters free agency after Schalke
Dzeko is a free agent after his contract with Schalke expired on June 30.
Analysis: Dzeko joined Schalke in January on a deal through the end of the 2025/26 season, arriving from Fiorentina and immediately making an impact, scoring six goals with three assists in his first several appearances as the club secured promotion to the Bundesliga. With his contract now expired and no extension finalized, Dzeko's next step is unresolved. At 40, his market is likely to hinge on whether a club can offer him a clear role rather than a bench spot. Nothing has been confirmed yet on whether he returns to Schalke for their first Bundesliga season back or explores a fresh free-agent destination.
Leaves field injured
Dzeko was forced off the field in the 51st minute of Wednesday's match against the USA due to an apparent leg injury.
Analysis: Dzeko would exit the field just a few minutes into the second half Wednesday, with the forward exiting after he appeared to pull up with discomfort in his leg. The forward looked to be holding his leg around his thigh area, likely signaling some discomfort in that region. If Bosnia is to advance, this is something to monitor, as he has started in their last three games. Ermin Mahmic was brought on in Dzeko's place after his exit.
Two shots during start
Dzeko recorded two shots (zero on target) in Thursday's 4-1 loss to Switzerland.
Analysis: Dzeko was back on the field Thursday after he was held to an unused bench role in the last contest, playing 64 minutes in the loss. He would see two shots in the outing, but was unable to put either on net. He will now eye a starting role as they prepare to face Qatar, a huge match if they want to remain in the World Cup, with Dzeko typically rising to the occasion.
Ready for Switzerland
Dzeko (undisclosed) returned to full training with the Bosnia and Herzegovina squad in Salt Lake City as the team prepares for their second group stage fixture against Switzerland on Thursday, according to Reprezentacija.
Analysis: Dzeko had not featured in Friday's 1-1 draw against Canada but his full participation in training is a clear indication he will be available and ready to contribute against Switzerland in Los Angeles. The veteran's availability is a significant boost for coach Sergej Barbarez as Bosnia look to bounce back from the opening draw and secure a positive result in their second group game.
Doesn't play vs. Canada
Dzeko didn't come off the bench in Friday's 1-1 draw against Canada.
Analysis: Dzeko was deemed "likely available" for this WC opener, but the veteran striker didn't play in a game where Bosnia spent most of the second half trying to protect their one-goal lead. Dzeko will aim to be an option for the second group-stage match against Switzerland on Thursday, June 18.
Should be option
Dzeko (undisclosed) will likely be eligible for Friday's clash against Canada, with Bosnia manager Sergej Barbarez saying "Edin is here and Edin will compete for the game quite normally.", reprezentacija.ba reports.
Analysis: Dzeko has resumed full training despite fears that he would miss the World Cup opener due to his recent injury struggles. What remains unclear is whether the veteran will be ready to start, with an appearance off the bench a viable scenario for the initial match. After that, he could push for more involvement at the expense of either Jovo Lukic or Ermedin Demirovic, emerging as one of the team's biggest offensive threats.
Logs full training session Thursday
Dzeko (undisclosed) trained in full Thursday and should be available for Friday's World Cup opener against Canada, according to Bosnian Football.
Analysis: Dzeko rejoined team training Wednesday and also logged a full session Thursday, so he shouldn't have problems playing in the team's opening match against Canada. Dzeko should be the team's main reference in the attack.
Back in team training for World Cup
Dzeko (undisclosed) has returned from injury and rejoined team training ahead of Bosnia's World Cup opener against Canada. Bosnian Football reports.
Analysis: Dzeko returned to team training after an injury concern that had kept him working individually and ruled him out of the last two friendlies. The return of Bosnia's all-time top scorer, who contributed six goals throughout the qualifying campaign including a crucial late equaliser against Wales in the playoff semi-final, is a major boost for the squad heading into their World Cup opener against Canada, though his availability to start will depend on how he progresses over the coming days and whether he is considered fit enough.
Absent from team training Tuesday
Dzeko (undisclosed) has yet to rejoin the rest of Bosnia-Herzegovina's squad in training ahead of the World Cup opening match against Canada, Bosnian Football reports.
Analysis: Dzeko's status appears to be a huge question mark in the Bosnian lineup, with the striker now at serious risk of missing action due to the issue. In case the veteran is ruled out, Ermedin Demirovic and Jovo Lukic could see extended outings in the front line. Dzeko sat out the last couple of international friendlies, before which he had scored seven goals and three assists over 13 games played for both club and country in 2026.
Still in recovery, out for friendly
Dzeko won't play in the final friendly game against Panama as he continues to struggle with a small issue, with Bosnia coach Sergej Barbarez revealing that "Dzeko is still dealing with a minor injury and will not be in the squad against Panama at all. We are getting him ready for the World Cup opener against Canada next week.", according to Bosnian Football.
Analysis: Dzeko is targeting a return in the World Cup opener, though he hasn't seen action since May 17 after being sidelined in all of the international practice games. The veteran striker will lead his country's front line if fully healthy, but otherwise Ermedin Demirovic, Haris Tabakovic (ankle) and Jovo Lukic could benefit with increased roles. If Dzeko is ready to play, he'll likely be able to rack up shooting numbers against most opposition.
Will be fit for opener
Dzeko (undisclosed) has been confirmed fully fit by coach Sergej Barbarez, who revealed the veteran was deliberately rested for the friendly against North Macedonia and will return to full training from Monday, according to Reprezentacija. "We consciously rested him for this match. He will completely normally enter training from Monday."
Analysis: Dzeko's fitness is a significant boost for Bosnia and Herzegovina heading into the World Cup, with the veteran striker remaining the most important attacking figure in the squad despite his age. The coaching staff managed his workload carefully ahead of the tournament opener against Canada on June 12, and the positive update confirms there is no underlying fitness concern to worry about as preparations enter their final phase.
Managed carefully by staff
Dzeko (undisclosed) was given a rest day as a precautionary measure during national team training, according to coach Sergej Barbarez, per Reprezentacija. "Edin took a little break yesterday, it's more of a measure, we always do that, it's important to prevent these things, it's better for them to rest now than in America. Things are improving and I hope everyone will be healthy at the start of the World Cup."
Analysis: Dzeko had only recently returned from an arm injury that threatened to end his season with Schalke prematurely, making the cautious management of his workload in the buildup to the tournament entirely understandable. The veteran remains a key figure for Bosnia and Herzegovina and the coaching staff are clearly prioritizing having him in peak condition for the tournament opener against Canada on June 12 rather than risking any setbacks in training, with the experience and leadership he brings to the squad making his fitness a matter of the utmost importance for manager Barbarez's side.
Set for the World Cup
Dzeko (arm) has come off the bench in each of Schalke's last two matches, confirming his return from the arm injury that had threatened to end his season prematurely.
Analysis: Dzeko's appearances off the bench are an encouraging development heading into the World Cup this summer, giving the 40-year-old the opportunity to build match sharpness in the final weeks of the season. The Bosnian forward remains a key figure for his national team, and getting minutes on the pitch before the tournament is exactly what he needed after a four-week spell on the sidelines. He had contributed six goals and three assists across 10 Bundesliga 2 appearances since joining Schalke in January before the injury struck, and his return to action will be a welcome boost for Bosnia and Herzegovina ahead of the summer.
Missing rest of club season
Dzeko has been out for four weeks and is expcted to miss around another two weeks as he recovers from an arm injury, according to Goal.com.
Analysis: Dzeko suffered an injury as Bosnia and Herzegovina captured a World Cup spot around a month ago and has been out since recovering, forcing his season to end with Shalke. However, it did not require an operation and he is expected to be close to fitness in two weeks, not keeping him out from making the World Cup squad. This is what he will work for as he is still a key part of the national team at age 40, appearing to be in a race against time to be match fit.
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