Image Source: BBC
Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Sweden is locked at 0-0 in a dramatic UEFA Nations League encounter at Stadion Bilino Polje, with Sweden seeing a goal ruled out by VAR during an eventful opening period. The match was still in progress at the latest BBC update on Friday, 2 October 2026.
Shocking VAR Call Denies Sweden the Opening Goal
Sweden appeared to take the lead in the 17th minute when Viktor Gyökeres found the net. However, the goal was overturned following a VAR review after the striker was judged to have handled the ball. The official decision left the score goalless and gave Bosnia and Herzegovina renewed encouragement.
The incident was the key moment of the first half so far. Gyökeres had already tested Bosnia’s defence with a low effort that was saved by Salko Hamzić in the fifth minute. The Sweden forward then saw another attempt blocked in the 22nd minute, underlining the visitors’ attacking threat.
Sweden Control Possession but Bosnia Threaten
Sweden have enjoyed the greater share of the ball, recording 59.3% possession compared with Bosnia and Herzegovina’s 40.7%. The visitors have also produced two shots to Bosnia’s two, with both sides registering one effort on target according to the live match statistics.
Bosnia’s best opportunity came in the 11th minute. Kerim Alajbegović forced Viktor Johansson into a central save after being set up by Esmir Bajraktarević. Bajraktarević later had an effort blocked from the right side of the box, showing that Sergej Barbarez’s team remained capable of breaking forward despite Sweden’s territorial advantage.
Sweden have moved the ball with greater accuracy, completing 92.5% of their passes compared with Bosnia’s 81.3%. They have also made more successful passes into the final third, but Bosnia have defended with discipline and prevented the visitors from turning pressure into a goal.
Edin Džeko Leads Bosnia’s Experienced Line-up
Bosnia and Herzegovina started with veteran striker Edin Džeko as captain. He partnered Ermedin Demirović in a 4-4-2 formation, while Sead Kolašinac, Nikola Katić and Tarik Muharemović formed part of the defensive unit in front of Hamzić.
The home side’s midfield included Alajbegović, Ivan Bašić, Armin Gigović and Bajraktarević. Barbarez will expect his players to remain compact while looking for opportunities to release Džeko and Demirović on the counterattack.
Sweden also lined up in a 4-4-2 system under manager Graham Potter. Viktor Johansson started in goal behind a defence featuring captain Victor Lindelöf, Carl Starfelt, Hampus Skoglund and Gabriel Gudmundsson. Jesper Karlström, Hugo Larsson, Sebastian Nanasi and Alexander Bernhardsson supplied the midfield, with Gyökeres and Besfort Zeneli leading the attack.
Critical Nations League Stakes for Both Teams
The fixture carries significant importance in League B, Group 4. Before kick-off, Sweden sat top of the group with seven points from three matches, while Bosnia and Herzegovina were second with five points. Poland followed on four points, and Romania were still seeking their first points.
A Sweden victory would strengthen their position at the summit and increase their chances of reaching the knockout phase. Bosnia, meanwhile, are seeking a result that could move them closer to the group leaders and protect their position in the promotion race.
- Venue: Stadion Bilino Polje
- Competition: UEFA Nations League, League B, Group 4
- Half-time score at the latest update: Bosnia and Herzegovina 0-0 Sweden
- Major incident: Viktor Gyökeres’ goal overturned by VAR
- Sweden’s group position before the match: First, seven points
- Bosnia and Herzegovina’s group position before the match: Second, five points
What Happens Next in Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Sweden?
The remaining stages of Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Sweden will depend on whether the home team can withstand Sweden’s possession and attacking pressure. Sweden have created the clearer early openings, but the disallowed goal demonstrated how quickly the contest can turn on a refereeing decision.
For Bosnia, the presence of Džeko provides an experienced focal point in the final third. Sweden will hope Gyökeres can maintain his movement and find a legal route through a well-organised defence. With the score still level, one breakthrough could have a major effect on the group standings.
FAQs About Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Sweden
What is the score in Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Sweden?
The match was 0-0 at the latest BBC live update, with the game still in progress.
Why was Viktor Gyökeres’ goal disallowed?
VAR ruled that Gyökeres had handled the ball before scoring, so the goal was overturned.
Where is the match being played?
The UEFA Nations League fixture is being played at Stadion Bilino Polje in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Who captains Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Veteran striker Edin Džeko captains Bosnia and Herzegovina in the match.
Who leads the group before the match?
Sweden began the fixture top of League B, Group 4, with seven points. Bosnia and Herzegovina were second with five.
