Bosnia's Bajraktarevic Silences Italy: The Underdog Story Heading to World Cup 2026

When Italy's national team was filmed celebrating Bosnia's playoff victory over Wales, they assumed they'd drawn the easier path to the 2026 World Cup. Esmir Bajraktarevic had other ideas, converting the decisive penalty that sent the Azzurri home and Bosnia through to the tournament.

The 21-year-old PSV Eindhoven midfielder carries a story that transcends sport. Born in Appleton, Wisconsin in 2005, Bajraktarevic is the son of Elmir and Emina, Bosnian Muslims who escaped the Srebrenica Genocide and built a new life in the United States. When his penalty hit the back of the net against Italy, it represented far more than three points.

Emir Suljagic, director of the Srebrenica Memorial Centre, captured the moment's significance after the final whistle: "There was a plan for this boy never to be born, for my own children never to be born, for any of our children never to be born. Their laughter is our greatest revenge." It's a powerful reminder that football's impact extends well beyond the pitch.

Diaspora talent fuels Bosnia's rise

Bajraktarevic launched his professional journey in Major League Soccer with the New England Revolution, earning a single cap for the United States Men's National Team before committing to Bosnia in 2024. His trajectory since then has been remarkable: 14 international appearances, a January 2025 transfer to Dutch champions PSV, and an impressive tally of five goals plus two assists across all competitions this campaign. He's proven he belongs at the highest level.

Bosnia's attacking threat doesn't end with Bajraktarevic. Kerim Alajbegovic, an 18-year-old Austrian-born talent, has been turning heads at Red Bull Salzburg. His performances have been so impressive that Bayer Leverkusen has already activated their buy-back option, effective after the summer. Bosnia will arrive at the World Cup with two of Europe's most promising young wingers—a combination that could punish any team that underestimates their counter-attacking potential.

Experience balances youth throughout the roster. Sead Kolasinac, the ex-Arsenal defender, continues to anchor the backline. Edin Dzeko—Bosnia's all-time leading scorer—found the net in the playoff victory over Wales and has registered six goals in eight appearances for Schalke in Germany's second division since January. Age hasn't diminished his effectiveness. His Schalke teammate Nikola Katic, who previously played for Rangers and Plymouth Argyle, delivered commanding performances throughout the qualification campaign.

Manager Sergej Barbarez, who earned 47 caps as a player, has become a unifying figure. "He's an epitome of what it means to be Bosnian. He was born in Mostar and his dad was of Serbian origin," explains Ervin Krantic of the BH Fanaticos, the worldwide supporter group that follows Bosnian athletes across all sports. Barbarez embodies Bosnia's complex, multi-ethnic reality—a reflection of the nation itself rather than a simplified narrative.

Group stage presents genuine opportunity

Bosnia's World Cup group includes Qatar, Switzerland, and co-hosts Canada—a draw that offers a realistic chance of advancing to the Round of 16. Barbarez has constructed a tactically disciplined side that frustrates opponents before unleashing Bajraktarevic and Alajbegovic on the break. The style may not win beauty contests, but it delivers results.

Off-field challenges add context to their achievement. Bosnia's domestic football landscape remains divided along ethnic lines. Numerous Bosnian-born players—including Josip Sutalo, Dejan Lovren, Neven Subotic, and Josip Illicic—opted to represent other countries. "The unfortunate reality is that the national team only falls to a certain amount of people," Krantic admits. This context makes their qualification even more remarkable.

With over 400,000 people of Bosnian heritage living in the United States alone, the team will enjoy passionate support throughout the North American tournament. Italy discovered firsthand the cost of treating Bosnia as an easy opponent. Bookmakers and Group G competitors—including Canada—would be smart to learn from that mistake.