Meet Wisconsin-born Esmir Bajraktarević, the man who could bring down the US
The Guardian • • sports
Key Points:
- Esmir Bajraktarević, born in the US to Bosnian refugee parents, initially represented the United States at youth and senior levels before switching allegiance to Bosnia and Herzegovina ahead of the 2024 Olympics.
- His decision was influenced by personal and familial ties to Bosnia, including the impact of the Bosnian war on his family, and a lifelong admiration for Bosnian footballer Edin Džeko.
- Bajraktarević played a pivotal role in Bosnia’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup, notably scoring the decisive penalty in a shootout against Italy during the UEFA playoffs.
- In the 2026 World Cup, Bajraktarević will face the United States in the round of 32, creating a rare situation where a player competes against his former national team.
- His presence and performance are seen as a significant threat to the US team, highlighting the complexities of dual-nationality players in international soccer.
