Ibrahimovic close to tears as Bosnia reach World Cup knockout stage for first time

Zlatan Ibrahimovic was moved to tears during his punditry duties after Bosnia and Herzegovina secured a historic 3-1 victory over Qatar to reach the World Cup knockout stages for the first time, advancing from Group B to face co-hosts the United States in the round of 32.

The former Sweden striker, whose father Sefik was born in Bijeljina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, struggled to contain his emotions as the final whistle confirmed Bosnia’s place in the last 32. Typically composed in front of the camera, Ibrahimovic spoke candidly about the personal weight of the moment.

“That’s what football is all about, bringing people together and especially for Bosnia,” Ibrahimovic said. “How much this country has suffered and to see this happiness makes me very emotional. Gives me goosebumps because that’s my father’s roots.”

He continued: “Just to see 70,000 singing, probably the Bosnian fans won already the World Cup and it makes me happy, very proud over them and see them also advance from the group stage. But the special moment is when the fans are singing — this is what makes me emotional. I cannot even express myself well now, but it’s a very emotional moment, and I’m just happy.”

The depth of that emotion has a clear historical context. The Bosnian War in the 1990s claimed more than 100,000 lives and displaced countless families, including Ibrahimovic’s own parents — his Bosnian father and Croatian mother relocated to Sweden before Yugoslavia’s dissolution. Bosnia was not recognised by FIFA until 1996, and the national side only secured their first-ever World Cup qualification in 2014.

Ibrahimovic himself chose to represent Sweden, going on to become the country’s all-time leading scorer with 62 goals in 122 appearances. Despite netting 19 goals during World Cup qualifying campaigns, he never scored at a World Cup finals.

Sefik Ibrahimovic, known by the nickname “Kinko” and celebrated as a folk singer in his hometown, moved to Sweden in 1977, where Zlatan was raised. His son has long spoken openly about the significance of his Bosnian heritage.

Boston’s run to the knockout stage was not without adversity. Sergej Barbarez’s side drew 1-1 with Canada and suffered a 4-1 defeat to Switzerland before captain Edin Dzeko led the team to the decisive win over Qatar that secured third place in Group B.