WILL RADE KRUNIC PLAY IN THE 2026 WORLD CUP?

Rade Krunic's Career and Development

Rade Krunic was born in Foča, Bosnia and Herzegovina, in 1993. From his first steps in professional football, he demonstrated a blend of technique and work rate that quickly led him to top European clubs. His career began at Sutjeska Foča, but it was at Borac Čačak in Serbia where he began to attract attention for his ability to cover the entire field and his tactical intelligence.

In 2015, Krunic made the leap to Empoli, where he became an essential part of the midfield. His consistent performance led him to sign with AC Milan in 2019, a club where he played alongside world-class stars and established himself as a reliable, versatile, and tactically disciplined player.

During his time at Milan, he averaged 87% pass accuracy and 1.4 interceptions per game, figures that reflect his quiet value on the pitch. In 2024, Krunic signed for Fenerbahçe, one of Turkey's most popular clubs. There, he has found a new lease of life, playing as a box-to-box midfielder, contributing both defensively and in attack. His experience has been key to the team's tactical balance, as they fight for national titles and seek to establish themselves in European competitions.

• Current age: 32 years (in 2025)

• Current club: Fenerbahçe SK (Turkey)

• National team: Bosnia and Herzegovina

• International matches: more than 60

• Goals with the national team: 9

These numbers make him one of the most experienced midfielders in Balkan football. His performance in Turkey could be crucial in keeping his hopes of playing in the 2026 World Cup alive, although everything will depend on Bosnia's qualification and his physical condition upon arrival.

Bosnia's chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup

The Bosnia and Herzegovina national team has experienced ups and downs in recent years. After their historic participation in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, the team has undergone a generational transition that has yet to fully solidify. With figures like Miralem Pjanić now past their prime and Edin Džeko nearing the end of his career, Krunic has become one of the natural leaders in the locker room.

Krunic's role in the national team

Krunic is not just another midfielder: he is the engine of the Bosnian midfield. His main function is to connect the lines, provide balance, and offer tactical leadership. His average of 2.3 recoveries per game and direct involvement in 30% of Bosnia's dangerous plays position him as a crucial player.

• Pass accuracy average: 87%

• Recoveries per game: 2.3

• International assists: 6

• Involvement in key plays: 30%

Bosnia's qualification will depend heavily on the team's consistency in the European group stage. The expansion of the 2026 World Cup to 48 teams grants more slots to UEFA, improving the chances of teams like Bosnia qualifying, either directly or through the playoffs. If they secure a place, Krunic—despite his age—could be an invaluable leader in the squad.

Interesting Facts and Motivation

Off the field, Krunic is known for his humility and discipline. He speaks three languages, maintains a rigorous fitness routine, and rarely causes controversy. In interviews, he has expressed that one of his biggest dreams is to play in a second World Cup with Bosnia. Furthermore, his teammates highlight his ability to motivate and remain calm in critical moments, a quality that could be key in the decisive qualifying matches.

Rade Krunic's Future and Legacy

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, Rade Krunic faces the dilemma of many veteran footballers: how to remain competitive internationally while managing physical wear and tear. However, his consistency and professionalism have kept him among the elite. It wouldn't be unreasonable to imagine him leading Bosnia as captain at the next World Cup if the team manages to qualify.

Playing Style and Tactical Legacy

Krunic is a modern midfielder: he combines vision with defensive work rate. Unlike other players of his generation, he has evolved to adapt to different tactical systems. He can play as a defensive midfielder, central midfielder, or even as an attacking midfielder, depending on the coach's needs. His reading of the game, ability to press high, and accuracy in long passes make him a tactical utility player for any national team. Preferred positions: Central midfielder, right central midfielder. Strengths: Vision, long passing, leadership. Weaknesses: Limited speed, prone to muscle injuries. Football idol: Luka Modrić. In fact, several analysts compare his development to Modrić's, not so much for his technical ability, but for his longevity and tactical intelligence. Both represent that Balkan school of elegant and hardworking midfielders who combine passion with precision.

Will he play in the 2026 World Cup?

Everything indicates that, if Bosnia qualifies, Rade Krunic will be part of the World Cup squad. His leadership and experience are difficult to replace. Although he will be 33, his current physical condition and his role at Fenerbahçe demonstrate that he still has plenty left in the tank. The 2026 World Cup could be his farewell to major competitions, closing a cycle that began with the dream of every Bosnian child: to wear their national jersey in the biggest tournament on the planet.

Whether or not he manages to participate, Rade Krunic's legacy with the Bosnian national team is undeniable. It represents the quiet effort, the loyalty to the badge, and the resilience of a generation that never stopped believing. If he steps onto the pitch at the 2026 World Cup, it will be the perfect reward for a career marked by perseverance.