Edin Dzeko to retire from international football after Bosnia match against Sweden

Bosnia and Herzegovina striker Edin Dzeko will retire from international football after his country’s match against Sweden on 2 October, bringing an end to a 19-year career with the national team.

Dzeko, who is 40, announced the decision in a statement posted on his personal X account on Thursday. He said the fixture against Sweden would be his final appearance in a Bosnia and Herzegovina shirt.

The striker made his international debut in 2007 and has since become one of his country’s most experienced and prolific players. He has won 151 caps for Bosnia and Herzegovina, scoring 73 goals.

His final international campaign included the 2026 World Cup, where Bosnia and Herzegovina were eliminated in the last 32. Dzeko’s appearance in that round also saw him set a World Cup record.

At the age of 40 years and 106 days, he became the oldest player to take part in a World Cup knockout match. That milestone came during Bosnia and Herzegovina’s run at the tournament before their exit in the last 32.

Dzeko’s international career has spanned almost two decades, beginning in 2007 and concluding with the October meeting against Sweden. His decision means the match will mark his final appearance for his country, rather than simply another fixture in his long international record.

At club level, Dzeko joined Schalke last winter on a contract running until the end of the season. He helped the German club secure a return to the Bundesliga.

The forward then signed a new one-season contract with Schalke this summer, continuing his playing career beyond his decision to step away from international football.

Dzeko’s announcement comes during his 40th year, but he remains involved at club level with Schalke. His international retirement therefore ends his time with Bosnia and Herzegovina while leaving him under contract with the German side for the coming season.

The Sweden fixture on 2 October will now serve as the final chapter of Dzeko’s Bosnia and Herzegovina career. It will bring to a close a spell that began with his debut in 2007, included 151 international matches and 73 goals, and ended with his participation in the 2026 World Cup.

His appearance at that tournament also ensured that he departed the international stage with a record attached to his name, becoming the oldest player to feature in a World Cup knockout tie at 40 years and 106 days.