Bosnia face Sweden in crucial Nations League clash as up to 40,000 Bosnian fans could fill the stands

Sweden currently lead the group with 10 points, two ahead of Bosnia and Herzegovina. A victory for Sergej Barbarez's side would move the Dragons into first place ahead of the final round.

A draw would leave Sweden two points ahead, while a Swedish victory would secure the hosts first place in the group. The group winners earn direct promotion to League A, while the runners-up advance to the play-offs.

The two teams previously met in Zenica on October 2, when Viktor Gyökeres put Sweden ahead shortly after the hour mark before Kerim Alajbegovic equalised in the 80th minute to secure a 1-1 draw.

Up to 40,000 Bosnian supporters could attend

The match is generating enormous interest among Bosnia's diaspora in Sweden.

Swedish broadcaster TV4 reports that nearly 50,000 spectators are expected at Strawberry Arena, with Bosnian media suggesting that as many as 40,000 could be supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, that figure has not been officially confirmed.

TV4 spoke to Muamer Makic, who purchased 200 tickets and sold or gave them all away within just three days.

"Every day I receive questions about whether there are any tickets left," Makic told TV4.

Due to overwhelming demand, the Football Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina has secured an additional allocation of tickets for tonight's match.

Sales begin at 3 p.m. at the association's ticketing desk in Solna Park, with tickets priced at €30 or €60 depending on the category. The association has not specified how many additional tickets are available.

Section F, designated for Bosnian supporters, will open at 6:30 p.m., one hour earlier than the other stadium sections, to help avoid congestion at the entrances.

Barbarez: We want to spoil their day

Bosnia and Herzegovina head into the match unbeaten in this Nations League campaign, having recorded two wins and two draws, with a goal difference of 6-3.

The Dragons drew 0-0 away to Poland and 1-1 against Sweden in Zenica, while defeating Romania 4-2 in Bucharest and Poland 1-0 at home.

Speaking at Friday's press conference, head coach Sergej Barbarez acknowledged Sweden's quality but made clear that his team would not be intimidated.

"Sweden have 11 or more top-class players," Barbarez said, adding that the Swedish squad was stronger on paper than the one Bosnia faced in Zenica.

"I respect them, but that is why I do this job, because I want to spoil the day for players like that," he said.

Barbarez will be without suspended defender Tarik Muharemovic and injured Dennis Hadzikadunic, who has returned to Hajduk.

The coach said Hadzikadunic would need approximately 20 days of rest. Jovo Lukic, who is also dealing with an injury, will not be part of the matchday squad.

Eight Bosnian players and Barbarez himself are carrying yellow cards, meaning another booking in Solna would rule them out of Tuesday's match against Romania in Zenica.

Sweden strengthened by returning attacking stars

Sweden head coach Graham Potter has confirmed that all his players are available for the match.

"Everyone trained this morning and is available," Potter told Swedish broadcaster SVT on Friday.

Viktor Gyökeres, Gustav Nygren and Dejan Kulusevski, who missed Thursday's team training session, returned to normal training on Friday.

For the first time since taking charge, Potter has Viktor Gyökeres, Alexander Isak and Dejan Kulusevski available together.

Kulusevski returns to the national team after a lengthy injury absence, having last played for Sweden in November 2024. Swedish media have speculated that he could feature for around 30 minutes.

Potter confirmed that Sweden would play a variation of a 4-4-2 formation but declined to reveal his starting goalkeeper.

"You'll know in 24 hours," he said on Friday, according to Fotbollskanalen.

Swedish media have identified Viktor Johansson as a likely starter in goal.

Police prepare for large crowds around the stadium

Swedish police have warned of significant traffic disruption around Strawberry Arena and central Solna from the afternoon onwards.

Supporters are advised to use public transport, including the metro, commuter trains and the Tvärbanan tram.

A heightened police presence is planned around the stadium.

Police drones will monitor the stadium area, Arenastaden, Frösunda, parts of Råsunda, Skytteholm, Hagalund, Solna station and Solna centrum between 5 p.m. and midnight.

Additional drone surveillance is scheduled between noon and 8:30 p.m. in parts of Stockholm's Södermalm district, including areas around Slussen, Medborgarplatsen and Skanstull.

Dzeko to support Bosnia from the stands

Former Bosnia and Herzegovina captain Edin Dzeko will attend tonight's match with his family, watching from a VIP box.

Football Association president Vico Zeljkovic announced the news on Facebook.

"Although he has retired from international football, Edin is still alongside his former teammates and coaching staff," Zeljkovic wrote.

Dzeko played his final international match against Sweden in Zenica.

Following tonight's encounter, the Swedish Football Association will honour five players who have ended their international careers: Emil Forsberg, Robin Olsen, Martin Olsson, Viktor Claesson and Emil Krafth.

Italian referee appointed

Italian official Simone Sozza will referee tonight's match, his first involving Bosnia and Herzegovina.

He will be assisted by Stefano Alassio and Davide Imperiale, with Giovanni Ayroldi serving as fourth official.

Valerio Marini and Rosario Abisso will oversee VAR operations.

The match kicks off at 8:45 p.m. and will be broadcast live on BHT1.