Wisconsin-born Esmir Bajraktarevic in comfortable…
Wisconsin native Esmir Bajraktarević will face his nation of delivery, the United States, in a World Cup knockout stage sport on Wednesday.
The 21-year-old switched his worldwide allegiance from the USMNT to Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2024 to characterize his dad and mom’ home nation after uncertainty surrounding the U.S. teaching change, his former coach, Shan Amini, said.
Bajraktarević turned an immediate sensation in Bosnia after scoring the successful penalty against Italy, qualifying the workforce for the World Cup.
Esmir Bajraktarevic #20 of Bosnia and Herzegovina arrives before the FIFA World Cup 2026. FIFA via Getty Images
Now, Amini, who coached him for 5 years at SC Wave, believes the Appleton, Wisconsin, native is prepared for an even larger second.
“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.”
Wednesday’s match is Bosnia’s first-ever knockout stage look and just the nation’s seventh World Cup sport.
Bajraktarević may have his work cut out for him to advance to the Round of 16, but Amini thinks his confidence ought to suppress the nerves.
Amini said Bajraktarević is “the best player [he’s] ever seen come out of the state of Wisconsin,” and the winger performed prefer it.
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Amini also thinks enjoying in the United States will help Bajraktarević.
He spent his complete youth profession touring around the nation while enjoying for SC Wave and MLS academy sides.
Esmir Bajraktarevic #20 of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B match . FIFA via Getty Images
“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 feel he’s going to be relaxed, comfortable, and he’s most likely going to make it simpler on his teammates too.”
Being in the US also means that Bajraktarević’s household and pals can attend the matches, making them more significant, Amini said.
Regardless of the end result against the USMNT, though, Bajraktarević may benefit from enjoying against the United States as an American child.
Amini said he once frightened Bajraktarević may change into “that forgotten kid” after going abroad to play in Europe.
Playing in entrance of both of his nations during primetime viewing hours may repair that.
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