The head coach of the football “A” national team of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sergej Barbarez, said that tomorrow’s match against North Macedonia in Koševo will be a test of character that will show how the players react to the success they achieved by qualifying for the World Cup.

Barbarez pointed out at the press conference in Sarajevo that North Macedonia is a very serious opponent who has a new coach and will certainly try to win, and our national team will do the same.

He added that tomorrow everyone will get a chance to play at least one half, except for those who are not fully ready, while the match against Panama on June 6 will be a dress rehearsal when it comes to the composition of the national team.

Barbarez stated that Haris Tabaković will most likely join the team before the start of the World Cup, although there is an option for him to continue his treatment and join later when he is ready.

He emphasized that Ivan Šunjić should be ready by the weekend.

National team member Tarik Muharemović said that the discipline in the national team was maintained even after the great success and qualification to the World Championship.

He pointed out that the newest member of the national team, Ermin Mahmić, has shown quality in training and that he will be a big boost when he plays with the rest of the team.

The friendly match between the football teams of Bosnia and Herzegovina and North Macedonia will be played on Friday, May 29, 2026, starting at 8:30 p.m. at the “Asim Ferhatović Hase” stadium in Sarajevo.

After the match with the Macedonians, the BiH national team will travel to the United States, and on June 6, they will be in St. Louis to play a control match with Panama.

The first match at the championship will be played on June 12 against Canada in Toronto. Six days later, he meets with Switzerland in Los Angeles, and on June 24 with Qatar in Seattle.