30 June 2026
Wisconsin Boy, Bosnian Heart: Meet England's DR Congo Counterpart
Esmir Bajraktarević was born in the United States, chose to represent Bosnia and Herzegovina, and is now the player the US must fear most in their own backyard.
There is a fascinating subplot to the USA's round-of-32 clash with Bosnia and Herzegovina, and The Guardian has told it beautifully. Esmir Bajraktarević grew up in Wisconsin, held the option to play for the United States, and chose Bosnia instead. Now he is coming for the country he turned down.
The story is rich in personal drama. PSV teammate Sergiño Dest, who plays for the US, told The Guardian the two had not yet spoken about the upcoming match. Dest described Bajraktarević as a good player and acknowledged he had faced the same crossroads choice between the two nations.
Bajraktarević already has form for the big occasion against World Cup hosts. According to The Guardian, he scored a decisive penalty against Italy to send Bosnia to this tournament, slotting coolly past Donnarumma in the shootout. That combination of nerve and narrative makes him one of the most compelling figures in the knockout round.
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