US reporter apologizes for insensitive comments about Bosnia ahead of match
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 28, 2026, 12:12 PM
Last updated Jun 28, 2026
Abigail Velez, a reporter for ABC7 in Los Angeles, has issued an apology following backlash over remarks about Bosnia-Herzegovina ahead of the United States' round of 32 match in the World Cup set for Wednesday. Velez made comments implying ignorance about the country, which drew criticism for being insensitive. She later acknowledged her comments as thoughtless and inappropriate, emphasizing that the World Cup should unite communities. Velez expressed her best wishes to all teams as they continue their World Cup journey.
- •Abigail Velez made controversial remarks about Bosnia-Herzegovina.
- •Comments were broadcast ahead of a World Cup match on Wednesday.
- •Velez apologized after receiving backlash for her statements.
- •She emphasized the importance of unity in the World Cup.
- •She wished all teams well in their tournament journey.
- 10:54 PMYahoo Sports — LA Reporter Apologizes for ‘Thoughtless’ Bosnia Trash Talk Ahead of US World Cup Match
- 7:05 PMYahoo Sports — US TV presenter apologizes for ‘insensitive’ Bosnia comments before USMNT clash in World Cup
- 5:04 PMYahoo Sports — Why ABC reporter had to apologize for 'insensitive' comments about Bosnia after World Cup video went viral
- 12:12 PMYahoo Sports — US reporter regrets 'insensitive' comments on next opponent Bosnia
"An American reporter has apologised for "insentive" remarks on the United States' next World Cup opponents Bosnia-Herzegovina after a major backlash. Abigail Velez said she had tried to have "a little fun" when she made the controversial statements for Los Angeles station ABC7 ahead of Wednesday's round of 32 match between the two teams.
"ABC7 TV presenter Abigail Velez has apologized for comments she made about Bosnia and Herzegovina ahead of the USMNT’s last 32 World Cup clash on Thursday. The USMNT team have captured the imagination of the American public so far this summer by winning Group D.
"Los Angeles reporter Abigail Velez has apologized for a "thoughtless" joke she made about Bosnia ahead of a men's World Cup match.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 28, 2026, 10:54 PMLA Reporter Apologizes for ‘Thoughtless’ Bosnia Trash Talk Ahead of US World Cup Match
Los Angeles reporter Abigail Velez has apologized for a "thoughtless" joke she made about Bosnia ahead of a men's World Cup match.
- Yahoo SportsJun 28, 2026, 7:05 PMUS TV presenter apologizes for ‘insensitive’ Bosnia comments before USMNT clash in World Cup
ABC7 TV presenter Abigail Velez has apologized for comments she made about Bosnia and Herzegovina ahead of the USMNT’s last 32 World Cup clash on Thursday. The USMNT team have captured the imagination of the American public so far this summer by winning Group D.
- Yahoo SportsJun 28, 2026, 5:04 PMWhy ABC reporter had to apologize for 'insensitive' comments about Bosnia after World Cup video went viral
One local news reporter is backtracking after controversial comments about the United States' next World Cup opponent.
- Yahoo SportsJun 28, 2026, 12:12 PMUS reporter regrets 'insensitive' comments on next opponent Bosnia
An American reporter has apologised for "insentive" remarks on the United States' next World Cup opponents Bosnia-Herzegovina after a major backlash. Abigail Velez said she had tried to have "a little fun" when she made the controversial statements for Los Angeles station ABC7 ahead of Wednesday's round of 32 match between the two teams.
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