An American television reporter is at the centre of an international backlash after boasting live on air that she did not know where Bosnia and Herzegovina was and 'didn't want to know', just days before the United States is due to face the Balkan nation at the World Cup.
The remarks came from Abigail Velez, a reporter for ABC7 Los Angeles, during a live broadcast from a United States men's national team viewing party in Long Beach, California, on 26 June 2026. The clip spread rapidly online, drawing condemnation from viewers internationally and a sharp response from the Bosnian national football team's official account, just days before the two nations are scheduled to meet in the World Cup Round of 32.
