Barbarez Sets Bosnia And Herzegovina Vs North Macedonia Test Before Panama
Bosnia and Herzegovina vs North Macedonia arrives on Friday, May 29, 2026, and Sergej Barbarez has made the point of the night simple: this is a test of character. The match at the Asim Ferhatović Hase stadium in Sarajevo comes after World Cup qualification, and it will show how this squad handles the next step.
Barbarez Sets The Tone
Barbarez said tomorrow’s match against North Macedonia in Koševo will be a test of character. He added that it will show how the players react to the success they achieved by qualifying for the World Cup.
He also called North Macedonia a very serious opponent with a new coach, and said both sides will try to win. That leaves Bosnia and Herzegovina with a clear assignment: carry the qualification form into a match that is no longer about reaching the tournament, but about how the group functions after getting there.
Koševo Gives Players Minutes
Kickoff is set for 8:30 p.m. on Friday in Sarajevo, and Barbarez said everyone will get a chance to play at least one half except for those who are not fully ready. That gives the staff a built-in look at more of the roster than a standard competitive match would allow.
Tarik Muharemović said the discipline in the national team was maintained even after the great success and qualification to the World Championship. He also said the newest member, Ermin Mahmić, has shown quality in training and will be a big boost when he plays with the rest of the team.
Panama And The Summer Tour
The North Macedonia friendly also sits in front of a tighter sequence of matches. Bosnia and Herzegovina will travel to the United States after Koševo, then play Panama in St. Louis on June 6, Canada in Toronto on June 12, Switzerland in Los Angeles six days after June 12, and Qatar in Seattle on June 24.
Barbarez said the match against Panama on June 6 will be a dress rehearsal when it comes to the composition of the national team. He also said Haris Tabaković will most likely join the team before the start of the World Cup, while Ivan Šunjić should be ready by the weekend.
