Why Edin Dzeko isn't playing in surprise Bosnia starting 11 decision

Bosnia and Herzegovina has left its all-time leading goal scorer on the bench to begin its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.

Edin Dzeko, the 40-year old striker, isn't part of the starting 11 for their first match of the tournament, which is on Friday in Toronto against co-hosts Canada.

It's a surprise decision, as Dzeko would be expected to wear the armband for every moment that he's on the pitch.

Still, in a potentially grueling tournament, maybe Bosnia is playing the long game.

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Why isn't Edin Dzeko playing?

Dzeko wasn't chosen in Bosnia's starting 11 to take on Canada.

He is available off the bench.

If he takes the pitch, he'd be the second-oldest outfield player ever to appear in a World Cup game:

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Edin Džeko could write himself into the @FIFAWorldCup history books today! 📚 pic.twitter.com/kYYrGklLdt

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There was no news in advance of an injury, so this could be a strategic move by the Bosnian side.

Given Dzeko's advanced age, they may not have expected him to play a full 90 minutes anyway.

With this approach, they can see how early they'd like to bring him on depending on how the match is going.

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This could also allow Dzeko to be a little sharper for the rest of the group stage, as well.

It is a risk, though, because even now, Dzeko is the most dangerous offensive threat that Bosnia has, and he'll be hanging out on the bench to begin the World Cup.

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