Homeland and People Are Not Rivals: Why Croats in BiH Should Cheer for Both National Teams

Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia are both writing new chapters in their football history this summer, with both nations reaching the knockout stage of the World Cup. For the Croat population within Bosnia and Herzegovina, this dual success should not be a cause for division, but rather for double the joy.

They have two national teams: Croatia, representing their ethnic group, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, representing their homeland. However, many Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina have historically struggled to develop a strong emotional bond with the BiH national team. These reasons extend beyond the sport itself, encompassing the legacy of war, political divisions, and a persistent feeling of inequality.

The perception that state institutions do not equally represent all three constituent peoples has left a deep mark, inevitably spilling over into the realm of sports. Further distrust was fueled by scenes at stadiums where the lily flag of Bosnia and Herzegovina dominated. While some view it as a symbol of historical Bosnia, others primarily associate it with the wartime period. Occasional celebrations have sometimes appeared more like provocations than genuine shared joy, further solidifying the feeling for many that the national team does not belong equally to everyone.