Bosnia's legendary striker Edin Dzeko will retire from international football after facing the Sweden national football team in the Nations League on October 2. The 40-year-old Schalke 04 forward announced his decision on Instagram.
Sweden, currently third in their World Cup group with four points, is coming off a difficult period with four losses in their last five matches. This includes a 3-0 defeat to France on June 30. The team has scored seven goals and conceded seven in World Cup play so far.
Edin Dzeko is one of Bosnia's greatest footballers of all time. He made his international debut in 2007 and has since earned 151 caps while scoring 73 goals, making him his country's all-time leading scorer and most-capped player. Dzeko has enjoyed a successful club career with spells at Manchester City, AS Roma, and Inter Milan.
He was a key player when Bosnia qualified for their first World Cup in 2014 and also played an important role in the 2026 tournament where the team reached the round of 32. "Nothing in my career has ever compared to the pride I have felt every single time I wore that shirt," Dzeko wrote on Instagram.
Edin Dzeko's final appearance for Bosnia will be in the Nations League match against Sweden on October 2. The match is part of the Nations League campaign running this autumn. For Sweden, it represents a break from World Cup focus, having just completed three group stage matches.
Sweden's most recent result, a loss to France, was their fourth defeat in the last five games. The team has a chance to reverse the trend in the upcoming home match against Romania.
The match against Bosnia in October will be Sweden's first Nations League fixture since the World Cup tournament. It will be an early test for the team in the new season of the competition. Manager Graham Potter will have a squad looking to recover from a tough World Cup start.
Sweden's defensive stability has been a challenge with seven goals conceded in the World Cup. Facing an experienced striker like Dzeko in his farewell match will require focus. The team's squad will need to be ready for an emotional opponent looking to finish on a high.
Before the Nations League meeting with Bosnia, the Sweden national football team faces an important home match against Romania on September 25. It's an opportunity to break the negative trend and build confidence ahead of the autumn's Nations League campaign.
Following that is the away match against Bosnia on October 2, where Edin Dzeko will play his 152nd and final international. Sweden's standings in the Nations League will begin to take shape after these autumn fixtures.
