Esmir Bajraktarević Named to Bosnia & Herzegovina Senior Squad

Bajraktarević will look to make his Bosnia & Herzegovina debut when the nation kicks off UEFA Nations League action in September.

© J. Alexander Dolan

New England Revolution Homegrown Esmir Bajraktarević received an incredible honor on Friday when he was one of 26 names selected by Sergej Barbarez to represent the Bosnia & Herzegovina senior team when they begin the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League.

Friday’s announcement comes after the Appleton, Wisconsin native began his international career in the United States youth system. After appearing in three matches for the U-19s and six for the U-21s, Bajraktarević made his U.S. senior debut on January 20, 2024, when he clocked 29 minutes as a substitute in a 1-0 loss to Slovenia.

After strong showings with the Revs, it appeared Bajraktarevic was heading to Paris to represent the United States at the Paris Olympic Games. Yet Bajraktarević was one of a few snubs as the U.S. bowed out in the quarterfinal following a 4-0 loss to eventual bronze medalists Morocco.

When talking with Sam Minton about his international future, Bajraktarević said he’s “very proud to be Bosnian,” and added “Playing for the national team is definitely something that I've dreamed of since I was little.”

Bajraktarević will look to achieve that goal when Bosnia & Herzegovina takes the field twice in September. They’ll open the window with a meeting against the Netherlands on September 7 at 2:45 pm ET before closing the window on September 10 against Hungary at 2:45 pm ET.