Bosnia and Herzegovina vs San Marino, FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, Today Match Prediction

Bosnia and Herzegovina vs San Marino Match Prediction & Analysis

Group H leaders Bosnia-Herzegovina will host San Marino in a 2026 World Cup qualifier at Bilino Polje Stadium. Bosnia, aiming for their second World Cup appearance, enter as strong favorites after securing back-to-back wins against Cyprus (2-1) and Romania (1-0), placing them atop Group H. These victories ended a 12-match winless streak.

Despite their recent progress and increased scoring frequency, San Marino remains one of international football's weakest teams. They've suffered consecutive defeats in the qualifiers, conceding seven goals. 

Bosnia has dominated San Marino, scoring six goals and conceding one in their two previous encounters. This match offers Bosnia a strong chance to extend their winning run and solidify their position at the top of the group. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

Bosnia and Herzegovina Preview

Bosnia and Herzegovina lead Group H in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers after securing successive victories against Romania (1-0) and Cyprus (2-1). They aim for their second World Cup appearance since 2014, with Austria now ing the group.  Head coach Sergej Barbarez, despite an initial rocky start, has overseen a turnaround, and two matches against San Marino offer a crucial chance to maximize points and boost goal difference.

Bosnia has struggled in qualifiers, only reaching the 2014 World Cup. Their recent form before the qualifiers was concerning, with only 2 wins in 12 matches and a nine-game home streak of conceding at least one goal. 

However, their current average of 2.00 goals scored per home match is promising. Key players like Edin Džeko (141 caps) will lead the squad, though Sead Kolašinac, Rade Krunić, and Anel Ahmedhodžić are out due to injury. Bosnia has not won in 6 of their last 7 home games.

Bosnia-Herzegovina probable starting lineup: Vasilj (Gk); Malic, Barisic, Radeljic, Omerovic; Sunjic, Tahirovic; Hajradinovic, Gigovic, Dedic; Dzeko

San Marino Preview

San Marino began their World Cup qualifying campaign with consecutive defeats, losing 2-1 to Cyprus and 5-0 to Romania. This follows their historic UEFA Nations League promotion, which saw their first-ever competitive wins against Liechtenstein. Despite these recent setbacks and their 210th FIFA ranking, San Marino's ability to score against Romania hints at progress.

San Marino has never won in 164 World Cup or Euro qualifiers, with their last draw being 11 years ago. They have lost their last 32 WC Qualification UEFA games, conceding at least one goal in all of them, and 21 of those losses were by two or more goals. They have also failed to score in their last 7 away WC Qualification UEFA matches, with an average of 2.00 goals conceded in away games.

Key players like Nicola Nanni, who scored twice in the Nations League, and teenage striker Nicko Sensoli are available. While most players are domestic, Sassuolo Under-19 twins Tommaso and Giacomo Benvenuti featured in March. Former captain Matteo Vitaioli (97 caps) has been excluded from the squad.

San Marino probable starting lineup: Amici (Gk); G. Benvenuti, Cevoli, T. Benvenuti, Tosi; Contadini, A. Golinucci, Capicchioni, Zannoni, Berardi; Nanni