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1h ago

Bajraktarević to Face U.S. After Switching Allegiance to Bosnia

His decision reflects deep family ties and recent club form that make him a motivated, potentially decisive player in the World Cup knockout match.

Esmir Bajraktarevic celebrates after Qatar's Sultan Albrake scored an own goal during Bosnia-Herzegovina's World Cup win on June 24.
Esmir Bajraktarevic #20 of Bosnia and Herzegovina looks on during the second half of the international friendly match between Panama and Bosnia & Herzegovina at Energizer Park on June 6, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri.
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Overview

  • Esmir Bajraktarević is a Wisconsin-born winger who left the U.S. youth system after one senior appearance to file a one-time switch and now represents Bosnia in the World Cup against the U.S.
  • His parents fled the Bosnian war and survived the 1995 Srebrenica massacre, a family history he has said shaped his desire to play for Bosnia.
  • Bajraktarević played regularly for PSV in 2025–26, and he raised his profile in Bosnia by scoring the penalty that helped send the team to the tournament.
  • Former New England Revolution teammates praise his technical skill, pace and confidence, and PSV teammate Sergiño Dest has publicly reacted to his choice to join Bosnia.
  • The match turns on more than form because it highlights the choices dual-national players make and could influence how federations court young talent and how diaspora ties shape international rosters.