Olympics Men · Attacker · #19 · USA · 21 yrs
The former New England Revolution midfielder came up through the US system, but felt a pull toward his parents’ homelandEsmir 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...
After drawing against Canada and losing to Switzerland, Bosnia and Herzegovina face Qatar looking for their first victory at the 2026 World Cup. For this reason, fans are closely monitoring Edin Džeko, as he is expected to be a difference-maker with his goalscoring ability. Bosnia and Herzegovina face Qatar in their third match of the 2026 World Cup. After drawing against Canada and losing to Switzerland, they arrive needing a victory to keep their knockout-stage hopes alive. However, Julen Lopetegui’s team could cause problems through their patient possession play and strong defense. Therefore, fans are closely monitoring Edin Džeko’s status, as he could make the difference in attack. Edin Džeko will start for Bosnia and Herzegovina in their final group-stage match. Although he has yet to score in the tournament, he remains the national team’s main reference point. With his excellent aerial ability and strong one-on-one play, he could take advantage of the spaces behind Qatar‘s defense. At 40 years old, he is aiming to shine in what could be his final edition of the tournament. Alongside Džeko, head coach Sergej Barbarez has decided to rely on Ermedin Demirović as his attacking partner. In addition, Kerim Alajbegović and Esmir Bajraktarević are expected to be difference-makers on the counterattack, thanks to their pace and efficiency. Rather than dominating possession, Bosnia and Herzegovina could lean on their aerial game, looking to exploit spaces in a Qatar defense that does not particularly excel in that area. Despite coming off a heavy 6–0 defeat to Canada, Qatar could look to show their best version by relying on a possession-based style of play as their main approach. To achieve this, head coach Julen Lopetegui has decided to trust Karim Boudiaf, Ahmed Fathi, and Jassem Gaber in midfield. However, all eyes will be on Akram Afif, the national team’s biggest star, as he looks to make an impact in front of goal. Bosnia and Herzegovina striker Edin Dzeko Bosnia and Herzegovina confirmed lineup vs Qatar Seeking their first victory, Bosnia and Herzegovina have decided to maintain their conservative approach. Head coach Sergej Barbarez has made a few changes, including the inclusion of Stjepan Radeljić at right-back. However, the flanks will be essential, as they will look to launch counterattacks and target the aerial ability of Ermedin Demirović and Edin Džeko. Bosnia and Herzegovina will lineup as follows: Nikola Vasilj; Stjepan Radeljic, Nikola Katic, Arjan Malic, Sead Kolasinac; Esmir Bajraktarevic, Ivan Šunjić, Ivan Bašić, Kerim Alajbegovic; Ermedin Demirovic, Edin Džeko. Qatar confirmed lineup vs Bosnia and Herzegovina Qatar are seeking redemption at the 2026 World Cup as they enter their match against Bosnia and Herzegovina looking to take control through possession. To achieve this, head coach Julen Lopetegui has decided to make major adjustments in midfield and at full-back. However, Edmilson Júnior and Akram Afif remain the focal points of the attack, where they will look to be clinical in front of goal. Qatar will play as follows: Mahmoud Abunada; Pedro Miguel, Boualem Khoukhi, Issa Laye, Sultan Al Brake; Ahmed Fathi, Jassem Gaber, Karim Boudiaf; Hasan Al-Haydos, Edmilson Junior, Akram Afif.
With the 2026 World Cup arriving on Canadian soil for the first time in men’s soccer history, attention has already turned toward the projected lineups and one particularly important fitness question regarding Alphonso Davies ahead of the highly anticipated Group B encounter. With the 2026 World Cup arriving on Canadian soil for the first time in men’s soccer history, attention has already turned toward the projected lineups and one particularly important fitness question regarding Alphonso Davies ahead of the highly anticipated Group B encounter. The opening fixture comes with enormous pressure for Canada, which enters the competition hoping to secure its first-ever point and first-ever victory at a FIFA Men’s World Cup. Bosnia and Herzegovina, meanwhile, arrives carrying momentum after an emotional playoff run that stunned several European powers and secured a long-awaited return to the tournament. The match between Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina will take place on Friday, June 12, 2026, at Toronto Stadium, just one day after the World Cup officially begins in Mexico City. The occasion marks the first-ever men’s World Cup match played on Canadian soil, adding even greater significance to an already emotional moment for supporters across the country. Canada automatically qualified for the tournament alongside fellow co-hosts the United States and Mexico. After appearances in 1986 and 2022, the national team is still searching for its first positive result at soccer’s biggest tournament after losing all six previous World Cup matches. Jonathan David of Canada There is, however, growing optimism surrounding Jesse Marsch’s side. Canada finished fourth at the 2024 Copa America and has steadily developed into one of the most aggressive pressing teams in Concacaf under the American coach. Bosnia and Herzegovina returns after stunning Italy Bosnia and Herzegovina enters the tournament as one of the more intriguing outsiders in Group B. The national team booked its place in North America after dramatic playoff victories over both Wales and Italy, defeating the four-time world champion in a penalty shootout to complete one of the biggest surprises of qualification. Bastoni was sent off during the first half of the match between Italy and Bosnia and Herzegovina. That playoff success secured Bosnia’s first World Cup appearance since 2014. Under coach Sergej Barbarez, the side has developed a reputation for defensive organization and resilience in difficult matches. The squad also combines experience and youth impressively. Veterans like Edin Dzeko and Sead Kolasinac remain key leaders, while younger talents such as Esmir Bajraktarevic and Kerim Alajbegovic provide creativity and pace in attack. Will Alphonso Davies play? Much of the buildup to the game has centered on the condition of Canada captain Alphonso Davies. The Bayern Munich star has been managing a hamstring issue during preparations, creating uncertainty around his availability for the opener. Davies had been considered a serious doubt for the match and will thus miss the opening game entirely. Jesse Marsch and the Canadian staff appear cautious about risking their captain too early in the tournament, especially with additional group-stage matches still ahead. Canada left-back Alphonso Davies. Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina: Confirmed lineups Canada confirmed XI (4-4-2): Crépeau; Johnston, De Fougerolles, Cornelius, Laryea; Buchanan, Eustáquio, Koné, Millar; Jonathan David, Oluwaseyi. Bosnia and Herzegovina confirmed XI (4-3-3): Vasilj; Dedic, Katic, Muharemovic, Kolasinac; Memic, Tahirovic, Basic; Lukic, Demirovic, Bajraktarevic.
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