He emphasized that this is a historic success for the Dragons, the result of tremendous work. "I congratulate our national team on the huge result and great step forward. This was a grueling journey, behind which stands enormous effort. Congratulations to coach Sergej Barbarez, Emir Spahić, Edin Džeko, Sead Kolašinac, and all the young players who have developed within this structure. Being part of the World Cup final is the pinnacle of world football," said Durić for RTV USK.
He stressed that the largest portion of the financial reward will go to those most deserving of the success. "The largest part of the reward goes to the players and the coaching staff. The remainder will be used for travel expenses to the United States, and we also expect sponsor involvement. The portion of funds allocated to the federation will be invested in infrastructure and football development," he noted.
Durić particularly emphasized that the national team players had top-tier conditions during the qualifiers. "The coach and the coaching staff had maximum support. They traveled almost the entire world to form this team. Our national team players have conditions on par with selections like Germany or Switzerland. We did not hold back there because these guys deserve it," he added.
Speaking about the future, he announced new investments in infrastructure across Bosnia and Herzegovina. "The federation has already significantly invested in pitches and floodlights. We have concrete plans, including an agreement to build a national stadium. I believe we will realize this during this term together with President Vico Zeljković. Additionally, construction of 18 artificial turf fields will soon begin, one or two of which will be built in the Una-Sana Canton," Durić stated.
As a reminder, every national team participating in this year's World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada will receive nine million euros from FIFA. That is not the end, as each subsequent step brings additional earnings. Advancing to the second round of the World Cup, i.e., the knockout phase, would bring an additional 1.5 million euros, totaling 10.5 million euros.
Each further step brings even larger bonuses, and the new world champion will take home 43.3 million euros.
As a reminder, the Dragons will play in Group B at the World Cup with Canada, Qatar, and Switzerland. The top two teams from each group advance to the next phase.
Bosnia and Herzegovina qualified for the World Cup after eliminating Italy on penalties.