Esmir Bajraktarevic

Esmir Bajraktarevic is a Bosnian-Herzegovinian footballer. He is currently newsworthy due to his pivotal role in Bosnia and Herzegovina's qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In a recent European qualifying playoff match against Italy, the game ended in a 1-1 draw after extra time. The match then went to a penalty shootout, where Bajraktarevic scored the decisive penalty, securing a 4-1 victory for Bosnia and Herzegovina. This win marks only the second time the Balkan nation has qualified for the World Cup, the first being in 2014. Bajraktarevic's successful penalty has resulted in widespread celebration in Bosnia and Herzegovina and disappointment for Italy, who will miss their third consecutive World Cup.