Emotional Zlatan Ibrahimovic pays tribute to Bosnia and Herzegovina ahead of history-making USMNT clash

An emotional Zlatan Ibrahimovic paid tribute to history-making Bosnia and Herzegovina ahead of their Round of 32 clash against the USMNT.

The Fox World Cup analyst, who has strong Bosnian heritage, admitted he was supporting the nation that has ‘suffered a lot’ as they make their first-ever knockout appearance at the 2026 tournament.

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He also described soccer as a sport that has the power to connect people, whatever their background.

“I care deeply because of my father’s roots, he’s from Bosnia,” Ibrahimovic said, appearing alongside fellow great Thierry Henry and Rebecca Lowe pregame.

“It’s a very proud county, I know what they have gone through, they have suffered a lot as a country. To see the fans come, have this happiness, showing these emotions, it gives me a lot of emotions.

“It makes me very happy and proud. I’m cheering for them, and supporting them. It hasn’t been easy for them.

“Football connects people, whoever you are, where ever you come from.

“Everybody’s welcome to play the game, the biggest sport in the world. I’m just happy to be part of it.”

Prior to independence in 1992, Bosnian athletes competed for Yugoslavia.

They later formed a national side, and played their first ever international match in November 1995, days after the end of Bosnian War.

Since then, Bosnia and Herzegovina have gone on to qualify for two World Cups, and have the chance to make more history by winning their first knockout game against the USMNT — with the help of the ‘Milwaukee Messi’.

Ibrahimovic starred for Sweden during his own legendary playing career, after his Bosnian father and Croatian mother relocated to the country from the former Yugoslavia.

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After he made his emotional comments on the Fox pregame show, Henry went on to credit this summer’s World Cup for ‘uniting’ people across the globe.

Thierry Henry praises US for embracing World Cup hosting duties

“I’m not really surprised with what’s happening, and the way the World Cup is going,” he said.

“Some people were sceptical because of what’s happening in the world, and a massive moment of thinking about what’s happening. A lot of people are suffering out there.

“But, this is what football does. It unites people. You see people dancing with each other, there hasn’t been any trouble yet.

“That’s what football does. We’re all one nation when it comes to that, and football is always an example.

“I speak with my heart, because this is the sport I love the most.

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“It’s nice to see that it’s happening not only on US soil, but in Mexico (and Canada) too.”

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