ABC7 Los Angeles reporter Abigail Velez issues an apology after receiving backlash for remarks about “the people of Bosnia” tied to the United States men’s national soccer team’s upcoming World Cup matchup. Multiple reports say Velez made disrespectful comments about Bosnia and Herzegovina after the USMNT lost to Türkiye in the World Cup group stage, as attention turned to the Americans’ next opponent. The United States is scheduled to play Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 2006 FIFA World Cup round of 32 on Wednesday in Santa Clara, California. Following the online and public criticism, Velez apologizes to people in Bosnia, according to the reporting. While the outlets differ in wording and emphasis, they agree that the apology follows viral backlash and that the comments were connected to the draw and preparation for the Bosnia match. The reports also frame the incident as a communication misstep rather than a response from soccer authorities or teams, with the focus remaining on Velez’s remarks and subsequent apology ahead of the game.