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Born in US, Bajraktarevic Plays Bosnia Against USMNT
2 Jul
Summary
- Esmir Bajraktarevic, born in Wisconsin, represents Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- His family fled Srebrenica during the 1995 genocide.
- Bajraktarevic scored the penalty that qualified Bosnia for the World Cup.
A player born in Wisconsin, Esmir Bajraktarevic, will compete against the United States during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Now 21 years old, he plays for Bosnia and Herzegovina, despite his American birthplace.
Bajraktarevic's decision to represent Bosnia stems from his family's history. His parents, Elmir and Emina, were refugees from Srebrenica, escaping the 1995 genocide. They eventually settled in Appleton, Wisconsin, where Esmir was born in 2001.
He has embraced his heritage, stating that his family's tragedy and Srebrenica are integral to his identity. Bajraktarevic has demonstrated his capability in significant matches, notably scoring the penalty kick that secured Bosnia's World Cup qualification against Italy. The United States team will aim to prevent him from ending their tournament aspirations.
