← Back to News
Meet Wisconsin-born Esmir Bajraktarević, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s World Cup hero
WC 2026
T
The Guardian·about 15 hours ago

Meet Wisconsin-born Esmir Bajraktarević, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s World Cup hero

The former New England Revolution midfielder came up through the US system, but felt a pull toward his parents’ homeland

Esmir Bajraktarević’s uture offered two options with little overlap.

Born and raised in Appleton, Wisconsin, a Midwestern river town where Harry Houdini also came of age, Bajraktarević’s development took him from the nearby Chicago Fire’s academy to the New England Revolution.

He began representing the United States at youth levels, first the U-19s and then the U-23s.

He was included in Gregg Berhalter’s squad camp in January 2024, making his senior debut against Slovenia.

He was involved at Olympic level too, helping the US qualify for Paris 2024.

Continue reading...

Sources: The Guardian

Get WC 2026 Updates

Match previews, results, and standings — delivered to your inbox.

Related Articles

Germany fans in need of hope as prospect of Klopp looms
WC 2026

Germany fans in need of hope as prospect of Klopp looms

Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Klopp has been working as a pundit for German TV at the World Cup

B
BBC Sport·about 15 hours ago
David Squires on … World Cup penalty pain for Germany and the Netherlands
WC 2026

David Squires on … World Cup penalty pain for Germany and the Netherlands

Our cartoonist on the latest knockout drama as Jonathan Tah does a Chris Waddle and Casemiro has a brat summer Buy David’s cartoons | Some of his favourite works And his latest book, Chaos in the Box: get it now Continue reading...

T
The Guardian·about 15 hours ago
Mazraoui: Morocco never lost belief until the final minute
WC 2026

Mazraoui: Morocco never lost belief until the final minute

Everyone thought the were on their way to booking a place in the round of 16 at the . Cody Gakpo’s 72nd-minute goal had given them the lead, and they then stood firm under sustained Moroccan possession and pressure. Those were undoubtedly difficult m

F
FIFA Official·about 15 hours ago
Soul-searching begins for Germany after another early exit
WC 2026

Soul-searching begins for Germany after another early exit

It was captain Joshua Kimmich who spoke most openly following from the at the hands of Paraguay. The Bayern Munich man’s dismay was plain to see, but he still managed to go beyond mere platitudes in his post-match analysis.

F
FIFA Official·about 15 hours ago
Germany were once World Cup kings - but now they're simply not that good
WC 2026

Germany were once World Cup kings - but now they're simply not that good

For those of you who are relatively new to this World Cup stuff, what we witnessed (near) Boston on Monday used to be very, very unusual. Almost unheard of, in fact.

S
Sky Sports·about 15 hours ago
World Cup 2026: Dutch despair, Klopp plays down Germany job links after exit – live
WC 2026

World Cup 2026: Dutch despair, Klopp plays down Germany job links after exit – live

Paraguay stun Germany , Morocco send Dutch home Email us | Bracketology | Golden Boot | World Cup Daily Tuesday’s World Cup Daily podcast has dropped . Max, Barry, Archie and Nicky chew over last night’s drama: A couple of videos for your delectation

T
The Guardian·about 15 hours ago