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yesterday

U.S. to Meet PSV Teammate Esmir Bajraktarević as Dest Says He Hopes Player Will 'Regret' Choosing Bosnia

His parents' flight from Srebrenica plus his PSV club ties have turned Wednesday's World Cup match in Santa Clara into a sharp personal story with sporting consequences.

Esmir Bajraktarević, a player with the Bosnia National Team, and Liam Wasco, of Neenah, grew up playing soccer together. (Courtesy: Kevin Wasco)
Esmir Bajraktarević's brother, dad and two uncles, and family friend prepare to watch him play in the World Cup with the Bosnia and Herzegovina National Team. (Courtesy: Kevin Wasco)
An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows USA and Australian soccer players Alessandro Circati and Sergino Dest compete for the ball during a FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match, Image 2 shows Esmir Bajraktarevic of Bosnia and Sultan Albrake of Qatar challenge for the ball during a World Cup Group B soccer match
Esmir Bajraktarević, a player with the Bosnia National Team, and Liam Wasco, of Neenah, grew up playing soccer together. (Courtesy: Kevin Wasco)

Overview

  • Esmir Bajraktarević is a U.S.-born midfielder who completed a formal switch to represent Bosnia and Herzegovina and is expected to be involved in Bosnia’s Round-of-32 match against the United States on Wednesday.
  • Sergiño Dest, a PSV teammate who plays for the U.S., publicly said he hopes Bajraktarević will “regret” choosing Bosnia, a comment that has focused attention on the personal side of the matchup.
  • Bajraktarević moved from the New England Revolution to PSV Eindhoven in January 2025 for a reported $6 million and made 28 league appearances last season with four goals and four assists.
  • He played a key role in Bosnia’s run to Qatar, including converting the clinching penalty in the playoff shootout win over Italy that sealed qualification and starting or featuring in all three group-stage games that sent Bosnia through.
  • Bajraktarević has said his parents' experience fleeing Srebrenica shaped his decision to represent Bosnia, a choice that highlights FIFA's rules allowing players with only youth or friendly senior appearances to switch national teams and raises watchable club-to-country dynamics with his PSV colleagues.