With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, American sports analysts have begun publishing early projections for the tournament’s group stage, including predictions for Balkan teams Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
According to projections cited by Telegraf, Yahoo Sports expects Croatia to finish second in its group, behind England. That outcome would still send Croatia into the knockout stage, but without a major group-stage surprise or a potentially easier path later in the tournament.
Croatia is projected to compete in Group L alongside England, Panama and Ghana. The prediction places England at the top of the group, Croatia in second place, Panama third and Ghana fourth.
Bosnia and Herzegovina, meanwhile, is projected to finish third in Group B, but still advance as one of the best third-placed teams. The group also includes Switzerland, Canada and Qatar, with Switzerland predicted to finish first and Canada second.
If the projections prove accurate, Bosnia and Herzegovina would celebrate a return to the knockout stage, while Croatia would continue its strong tournament tradition despite falling short of first place in the group.
The forecast remains only an early prediction, but it has already drawn attention in the region as fans begin looking ahead to what could be another highly competitive World Cup campaign for Balkan teams.
