A TV reporter apologized to the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina after receiving backlash for comments she made about the United States men’s national team’s upcoming World Cup opponent.After the U.S. clinched first place in its group and a round-of-32 meeting with Bosnia at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Wednesday, ABC 7 Los Angeles reporter Abigail Velez attempted to ramp up the trash talk on live television. But in doing so, she made remarks about the Eastern European nation that went over poorly.“I could not point out where it is on a map,” Velez said while broadcasting live. “I don’t know the first thing about Bosnia, and I don’t wanna know. That’s because Team USA, we’re back, we’re better than ever.“That’s next Wednesday. Get prepared, Bosnia, because you don’t want it. You don’t want it like that. But you’re gonna get it.”
My goodness, the stereotypes write themselves……🤷♂️ #FIFAWorldCup 🇧🇦🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/UGj3uudcYL
— Bosnian Football (@BosniaNTBall) June 27, 2026The clip aired on ABC’s affiliate station in Los Angeles before going viral on social media. It brought a wave of scrutiny on Velez, prompting her to issue her apology via her Instagram page.
“In a poor effort to have a little fun with World Cup competition, I took it too far and made a thoughtless comment on air that was insensitive and inappropriate,” Velez wrote.“I apologize to the people of Bosnia and the Bosnian Football team. The World Cup is supposed to be about united communities around the world, and my comment didn’t reflect that spirit. Wishing all the teams the very best as they continue their World Cup journey.”
