What did reporter Abigail Velez say about Bosnia? Viral World Cup comment and apology explained

Ahead of the United States’ Round of 32 matchup against Bosnia and Herzegovina, a Los Angeles-based reporter drew backlash for comments she made on air, with the clip spreading rapidly on social media.

What did the reporter say about Bosnia?

Abigail Velez, a reporter and fill-in anchor for ABC7 in Los Angeles, made the remarks during a segment previewing the upcoming match.

In the now-viral clip, she said:

“One thing about Bosnia, I could not point out where it is on a map. 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. Get prepared Bosnia, because you don’t want it.”

The comments were framed as playful trash talk ahead of the match, but many viewers didn’t see it that way. Critics took issue with what they saw as a dismissive and insensitive tone, particularly given Bosnia and Herzegovina’s complex history and global audience at the World Cup.

The clip was widely shared online, including by international soccer accounts, which helped amplify the backlash beyond a local audience.

What did she say in her apology?

Velez later addressed the situation in a statement posted to social media, acknowledging she had gone too far.

“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,” she said.“I apologize to the people of Bosnia and the Bosnian Football team. The World Cup is supposed to be about uniting communities around the world, and my comment didn’t reflect that spirit.”

USMNT vs. Bosnia

The controversy comes just days before the United States faces Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32. The USMNT advanced out of the group stage despite a loss to Türkiye, while Bosnia and Herzegovina moved on as one of the top third-place teams, marking a historic step for the program.

It’s just the country’s second World Cup appearance as an independent nation and its first time reaching the knockout stage. They will play this Wednesday, July 1 at the San Francisco Bay Area Satium at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT).

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