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ABC7 Los Angeles reporter Abigail Velez apologized Saturday to the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Bosnian national football team after drawing widespread criticism for remarks she made ahead of the United States' FIFA World Cup 2026 round-of-32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In a statement posted on social media, Velez said she had made "a thoughtless comment on air that was insensitive and inappropriate."
"In a poor effort to have a little fun with World Cup competition, I took it too far," she wrote.
"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."
She concluded by wishing "all the teams the very best as they continue their World Cup journey."
The apology followed backlash over comments Velez made during a broadcast after the U.S. clinched first place in its group and set up a round-of-32 meeting with Bosnia at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Wednesday.
Attempting to build anticipation for the match, Velez made remarks about Bosnia that drew criticism.
"I could not point out where it is on a map," Velez said during the live broadcast. "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."
The clip aired on ABC's affiliate station in Los Angeles before going viral on social media.
The remarks quickly spread across platforms, including X and Instagram, prompting widespread criticism and calls for an apology.
Bosnia finished third in Group B with four points after a 1-1 draw with co-host Canada in Toronto and a 3-1 win over Qatar, qualifying for the knockout stage.
The 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico marks the second time the Bosnia men's national team has qualified for the World Cup.
It is the first time Bosnia has reached the knockout rounds at the World Cup after failing to advance beyond the group stage in its debut appearance in 2014.
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