Wisconsin native Esmir Bajraktarević will face his country of birth when Bosnia and Herzegovina plays the U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT) in a World Cup knockout stage game. Bajraktarević, 21, switched his international allegiance from the USMNT to Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2024, a decision influenced by uncertainty surrounding a U.S. coaching change, according to his former coach, Shan Amini.
Bajraktarević has become a notable player for Bosnia, notably scoring the winning penalty against Italy to secure the team's World Cup qualification. Amini, who coached Bajraktarević for five years at SC Wave, believes the young player is prepared for this significant moment.
"I think that his mindset is going to be, ‘Hey, this is my opportunity in front of the country that I grew up in to really represent well,'" Amini told The Post. "I think he’s going to want to rise to that level and that challenge, and I’m expecting a great game out of him."
The upcoming match marks Bosnia's first appearance in a World Cup knockout stage and only their seventh World Cup game overall. While advancing will be a challenge, Amini suggests Bajraktarević's confidence will mitigate any nerves.
Amini described Bajraktarević as "the best player [he’s] ever seen come out of the state of Wisconsin." The winger's performances have reflected this assessment.
Playing in the United States is also expected to be a comfort for Bajraktarević, who spent his youth career traveling extensively across the country for SC Wave and MLS academy teams. "Knowing the person that he is, I’m sure he’s helping his teammates adjust quite a bit," Amini said. "there’s nothing unfamiliar for him in these venues. I think he’s going to be relaxed, comfortable, and he’s probably going to make it easier on his teammates too."
The presence of family and friends in the U.S. is also anticipated to add personal significance to the matches for Bajraktarević. Playing against the USMNT in a high-profile tournament setting offers a unique platform for the player, potentially preventing him from becoming "that forgotten kid" after pursuing opportunities overseas, as Amini once feared.