Meet Wisconsin-born Esmir Bajraktarević, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s World Cup hero
Summary
Esmir Bajraktarević, born and raised in Wisconsin, played for U.S. youth soccer teams but chose to represent Bosnia and Herzegovina at the senior level. He recently debuted for Bosnia and will face the United States in the World Cup knockout stage.Key Facts
- Bajraktarević grew up in Appleton, Wisconsin and trained with Chicago Fire’s academy and New England Revolution.
- He played for U.S. youth national teams, including U-19 and U-23 levels, and appeared in a senior camp in 2024.
- Bajraktarević helped the U.S. qualify for the 2024 Olympics but later switched to play for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- His parents fled Bosnia during the Yugoslav Wars and resettled in the United States in 2001.
- He officially debuted for Bosnia in September 2024 and has played key matches in World Cup qualifying.
- Bosnia and Herzegovina qualified for the World Cup five times, first appearing in 1998, and Bajraktarević aspires to follow players like Edin Džeko, his childhood hero.
- Bosnia will face the United States in the World Cup last 32 stage in Santa Clara.
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