HIBAPRESS-RABAT-FIFA
The iconic 79-year-old coach has told FIFA that he wants to take on a new challenge by taking part in his sixth FIFA World Cup™ in 2026.
Bora Milutinović has coached Mexico, Costa Rica, USA, Nigeria and China PR at previous World Cups
The Serbian tactician spoke about his memories of Mexico 1986 andEUnited States 1994
At 79, he wants to enter the history of the World Cup 26
Bora Milutinović’s name is inscribed in the FIFA World Cup™ pantheon. The Serbian played in five consecutive final tournaments at the helm of five different teams: Mexico (1986), Costa Rica (1990), USA (1994), Nigeria (1998) and China PR (2002).
Age has not diminished his passion for football, which he continues to enjoy without moderation at 79. He was present at the recent Copa América in the United States and opened the door to the possibility of participating in the FIFA World Cup 26™.
In an interview with the FIFAthe experienced technician discusses his experience on the bench of many countries and some aspects of current football.
2026 in sight
“Football is my passion. I am interested in as many competitions as possible at all levels: professional, amateur and youth,” Milutinović says at the beginning of the interview. He is clearly still driven by what has been his life since he joined the first team of OFK Belgrade at the age of 14. A lot of water has flowed under the bridge since 1958, but his love for the game has not diminished one iota. “Coaching is in my blood. Age doesn’t matter, it’s just a number. I keep myself informed about what’s happening in football and if someone wants to achieve something, I’m ready.” (laughs)
Forty years after his first FIFA World Cup™, 2026 would provide him with the perfect opportunity to return to the quadrennial event. “It would be wonderful. I had the privilege of playing in five consecutive final tournaments, it was fantastic,” Milutinović recalls.
Coach of the Stars and Stripes in 1994, he is looking forward to the 2026 edition of the tournament. In 32 years, a lot has changed in the United States, where football has grown exponentially. “Life is a matter of destiny. I arrived in the United States after a great campaign at Italy 1990. They talked about soccer and I talked about football. Today, when I see this passion and these beautiful stadiums, I remember the time when I was a pioneer. When we trained in the parks, the police asked us for our IDs, because they didn’t know us. It was a unique experience. There was no championship, they were students having fun. The strength of the Americans and their education played a decisive role, as did my colleagues,” he comments in an emotional voice.
US Soccer president Alan Rothenberg had a problem: Bora didn’t speak English. “I will try to do my best,” the Serbian assured him. “The first 10 or 11 games went well, including a 1-0 win over Uruguay. In 1991, we won the Gold Cup at home, after beating Mexico in the semifinals (2-0). Over time, my English improved, but the results weren’t what we had hoped for. In a meeting with Alan, I apologized and explained that I was trying to speak English better. He said, ‘Forget the language!’ I had the same experience in China. I know very few words, but the atmosphere was extraordinary and I have excellent relations with the Chinese and the Americans.”
Mexico 1986, the beginning of the path
The tournament in the Aztec country was Milutinović’s first FIFA World Cup™ as coach. Again, there is no shortage of anecdotes. “Mexico took over as host nation after Colombia withdrew. When I took over El Tri, no one wanted the job because the team had not had a good tournament in 1978 and had not been in the 1982 edition. I was often reminded of this and told that I had been very lucky to have reached the finals without having to go through qualifying. I would say no, that it was me who had managed to qualify the team without having to play a single match.” (laughs)
“After the earthquake that had struck the country a year earlier, Mexico 1986 united the people who celebrated the event,” the coach continued. “We were beaten on penalties by Germany in Monterrey (0-0 aet, 4 pens to 1), but my greatest satisfaction was the tribute paid to the national team before the final between the Mannschaft and Argentina. I couldn’t have been happier. In addition, I was decorated with the Order of the Aztec Eagle, the highest possible distinction.”
Bora, a must-see in major global events
Now based in Qatar, Bora Milutinović attended the 2022 FIFA World Cup™, which saw Argentina win their third star. He praises the quality of the organisation and facilities, and the friendliness of the people. “It was a real party. Qatar is an unforgettable country. I didn’t have an active role in the tournament, but I followed all the matches and everything went perfectly.”
He also looks back on his campaign at Italy 1990 with Costa Rica, their first appearance at a FIFA World Cup™. He took charge of the national team at the last minute. “I was called up 70 days before the competition. It was thanks to the good results of the Ticos, who made it through the group stage, that I got the opportunity to lead the Stars and Stripes.” It was a successful adventure and allowed him to forge strong ties with the United States, where he often visits.
Iraq is also a country close to his heart. He took charge of the Asian team at the FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009™. The Lions of Mesopotamia faced hosts Spain and New Zealand. A sort of “sixth World Cup” for Milutinović, which gave him the opportunity to experience a new continent.
Passion, the fountain of youth
Who wouldn’t dream of knowing the recipe for the elixir of youth that keeps the football flame alive at Bora as he approaches his 80th birthday? “When I’m on a football pitch, I remember with emotion the time when I was a child and all the people I’ve known over the years. When you’re passionate, everything is much easier. I’m in great shape and that’s why I travel from continent to continent,” he says.
It is unclear whether Milutinović will be on the bench at FIFA World Cup 26™, but he will be there, simply because he is such an integral part of the competition’s history.
