Bajraktarević's Journey from US Youth to Bosnia's Star
Esmir Bajraktarević, a 23-year-old winger born in Appleton, Wisconsin, is set to face the United States in the World Cup last 32 on Wednesday. He previously represented the US at youth levels, making his senior debut against Slovenia in January 2024, and helped the US qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics. However, he switched allegiance to Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2024, drawn by his parents' homeland.
His parents fled Bosnia during the war in the 1990s, first to Switzerland and then to the US in 2001 as refugees. Bajraktarević has spoken about the tragedy of the war, including the Srebrenica genocide, saying, 'It's a part of me and who I am.'
A Crucial Penalty in the Playoffs
Bajraktarević made his Bosnia debut in September 2024 and played a key role in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. In the playoff against Italy, he scored a penalty in the shootout, sending Bosnia to the World Cup at Italy's expense. The penalty, taken under pressure against Gianluigi Donnarumma, showcased his composure.
According to PSV teammate Sergiño Dest, 'He is a good player. He also had to make the choice between the US and Bosnia. He chose the other side. But hopefully we will not regret [that] after Wednesday.'
Bajraktarević's Role Against the US
Bajraktarević has started against Canada and Qatar and came off the bench against Switzerland, logging 214 minutes. He has been a key recipient of progressive passes, with only Ivan Bašić playing more passes into the box for Bosnia. His 70 attacking-third touches trail only Kerim Alajbegović among Bosnia's wingers.
The US, coming off a dead-rubber defeat to Turkey, will need to contain Bajraktarević's threat along the flank. Dest noted that they haven't discussed the game yet, but the stakes are high.
Bajraktarević's decision to represent Bosnia was influenced by his childhood idol, Edin Džeko. He recalled, 'There's videos of me wearing Edin Džeko's jersey growing up. He was my favorite player.' Now, he has a chance to play alongside his hero against his former team.
