Bosnia heads to Vienna with renewed belief in World Cup dream

A win on Tuesday in Vienna would lift Bosnia straight to next year’s World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Anything less would push the final decision to March, when the playoff stage begins.

However, the triumph over Romania came at a cost. Amar Dedic, Nikola Katic, and Dzenis Burnic all received their second yellow cards of the campaign, ruling them out of the decisive clash with Austria. The setback forces head coach Sergej Barbarez to adjust his lineup at a critical moment.

Still, Barbarez enters the match with reasons for optimism. After serving their suspensions, Nihad Mujakic and Ivan Sunjic are back in contention, bolstering both the midfield and defensive structure. There is also hope that defender Emir Karic may be available, pending the resolution of an administrative documentation issue that prevented him from appearing in Zenica.

Austria, meanwhile, arrives in excellent shape. After a controlled 2–0 victory over Cyprus, none of Ralf Rangnick’s players are facing suspension concerns, leaving the home side at full strength for the Vienna showdown.

The Bosnian squad gathered early Monday at Sarajevo International Airport before departing on a charter flight to Austria. Upon arrival, the team will hold its official training session at 6pm at Ernst Happel Stadium. Half an hour earlier, Barbarez will address the media, with tactical readiness and adaptation to the venue expected to dominate the discussion.

Despite the enforced absences, the team’s confidence remains high. The return of key players provides fresh options, and the decisive nature of the match has created a sense of unity and determination within the squad.

Bosnia and Herzegovina faces Austria on Tuesday at 8:45 pm at Vienna’s Ernst Happel Stadium, 90 minutes that could deliver a historic first-place finish in the group and secure direct entry to the World Cup.