Bosnia and Herzegovina reached the World Cup 2026 knockout stage

The Dragons advanced to the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup for the first time in history. For Utah's Bosnian community, this represents unity and hope for a brighter future.

How has soccer united Utah's Bosnian community?

Ibro Sameric, owner of Old Bridge Cafe in Salt Lake City, says soccer has united the Bosnian community. He arrived in the U.S. in 1998 after fleeing the Bosnian War. He explains that soccer has brought people together in Bosnia and Herzegovina, even as politicians continued divisive policies.

What does this mean for Bosnians in the U.S.?

The Bosnian national team trained in Utah, using Real Salt Lake's facilities in Sandy. Sameric traveled to Seattle and Los Angeles to watch Bosnia and Herzegovina play Qatar and Switzerland. He says thousands of Bosnians filled stadiums to support their team.

How did Bosnia and Herzegovina reach the knockout stage?

Bosnia and Herzegovina advanced to the knockout stage after victories over Qatar and Switzerland. The Dragons' historic run symbolizes unity and hope for Utah's Bosnian community.