Esmir Bajraktarević, a Wisconsin-born winger who chose to represent Bosnia and Herzegovina over the United States, is set to face his former national team in the World Cup last 32 on Wednesday. The match, a knockout clash in Santa Clara, brings together two sides with intertwined histories.
A Journey from Appleton to the World Stage
Bajraktarević, 22, grew up in Appleton, Wisconsin, the same Midwestern river town that produced Harry Houdini. He developed through the Chicago Fire academy and later played for the New England Revolution in MLS. Representing the US at youth levels, he debuted for the senior team against Slovenia in January 2024 under Gregg Berhalter and helped the US qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics. However, before the Olympic squad was finalized, Bajraktarević filed to switch allegiance to Bosnia and Herzegovina, the homeland of his parents.
Family History and a Difficult Decision
His parents fled Bosnia during the war following Yugoslavia's collapse, first settling in Switzerland for two years before moving to the US in 2001 as refugees. "[The war] was pretty bad," Bajraktarević told The Blazing Musket. "My parents lost a good amount of family members. It's very tragic. Srebrenica is something that I'll never forget. It's a part of me and who I am. It's in my blood."
Début and a Dream Realized
Bajraktarević debuted for Bosnia on 7 September 2024, months before Uefa qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. He grew up idolizing Edin Džeko, wearing his jersey as a child. "In heart I always knew since I was little that it was going to be Bosnia at the end of the day," he said in February. "There's videos of me wearing Edin Džeko's jersey growing up. He was my favorite player growing up, and it's just something you dream of."
The Penalty That Sent Bosnia to the World Cup
In the Uefa playoff against Italy, Bosnia forced a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw, with Italy's Alessandro Bastoni sent off in the first half. Bajraktarević stepped up for the fourth penalty, with Bosnia leading 3-1. Facing Gianluigi Donnarumma, he slotted his attempt under the goalkeeper's dive, securing Bosnia's place in the World Cup. The moment was a culmination of his journey and a signature achievement for the team.
Impact on the Pitch
Bajraktarević has logged 214 minutes across three World Cup matches, starting against Canada and Qatar and coming off the bench against Switzerland. According to data from Futi, he has played five passes into the box, second only to Ivan Bašić, and recorded 70 attacking-third touches, trailing only winger Kerim Alajbegović. His threat along the flank will be crucial against the US.
A Rare Twist of Fate
The US and Bosnia meet in the knockout stage thanks to FIFA's World Cup expansion. US defender Sergiño Dest, Bajraktarević's teammate at PSV, said: "We didn't speak about this game yet. I didn't call him, he didn't call me yet, but 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."
Bosnia first qualified for the World Cup in 2014, where they beat Iran but lost to Argentina and Nigeria. Now, with Bajraktarević playing alongside his childhood hero Džeko, they aim to advance past the US.
