The 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup has reached the knockout phase, and while the United States celebrates its first group-stage win since 2010, much of the world is hoping to see the Americans sent packing. The USMNT, led by Christian Pulisic, will face Bosnia on Wednesday night in the Round of 32, but the buzz leading up to the match is less about soccer and more about a reporter's embarrassing blunder.
ABC 7 reporter Abigail Velez went viral for all the wrong reasons when she taunted Bosnia, admitting she couldn't even locate the country on a map. The clip, shared widely on social media, sparked a firestorm of criticism. Fans from around the globe seized the moment to voice their frustration with what they see as American arrogance.
“Come on Bosnia! I hope you beat them. They’ve been so arrogant since they all discovered football last month,” one fan wrote on X. Another added, “I’m rooting for Bosnia team to pin down USA in the Round of 32.” The sentiment was echoed by many, with one fan bluntly saying, “Can’t wait to see the U.S. going home.”
The backlash wasn't limited to casual fans. One commenter took a broader swipe, writing, “Whether Americans are the most ignorant and self-absorbed people in the world is not the issue; ignorance is curable. What is unique about the US is that it purveys a culture that ostentatiously celebrates ignorance.”
Even Bill Maher cheered international World Cup fans for reminding America it's 'kind of awesome,' though the timing of this incident has only intensified the anti-US sentiment.
In response, some American fans have apologized for Velez's actions. “On behalf of Americans, I apologize. Super unprofessional and the vast majority of us will always respect our opponents and the people of that nation,” one supporter wrote. Another added, “She doesn’t represent us.”
The incident has also drawn attention to the broader dynamics of the tournament. The World Cup Round of 32 is nearly set, with 14 of 16 bracket spots filled, and the US-Bosnia matchup is one of the most anticipated. Meanwhile, the reporter's gaffe has become a rallying cry for those hoping to see the Americans exit early.
As the USMNT prepares for Wednesday's clash, the team will have to block out the noise. The players are focused on advancing, but the global narrative is clear: the rest of the world is rooting against them. Whether that fuels the team or becomes a distraction remains to be seen.
For now, the soccer world waits to see if Bosnia can deliver the upset that so many are hoping for. The match kicks off Wednesday night, and the tension is palpable.
