US ambassador: I’ll cheer for the Stars and Stripes, but US-BiH friendship is bigger than tonight’s result

In a post published on social media, the embassy noted that Bosnia and Herzegovina is about to make history by appearing in the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time.

“Tonight, something will happen that has never happened before. Bosnia and Herzegovina will play in the knockout round of the World Cup,” the message reads.

The embassy also recalled Bosnia and Herzegovina’s memorable victory over Italy, which secured qualification for the knockout stage, ahead of the highly anticipated meeting with the United States in San Francisco.

“The team that defeated Italy to qualify will soon walk onto the pitch in San Francisco to face the United States in an elimination match,” the statement said.

Describing the match as a historic moment for both teams regardless of the outcome, the embassy said fans across Bosnia and Herzegovina would gather to watch despite the late kickoff.

“This is a historic moment for both teams, win or lose. I will be watching, and across Bosnia and Herzegovina, fans will gather to watch a great game despite the late hour.”

The message also made clear where the ambassador’s sporting loyalties lie.

“I will be cheering for the Stars and Stripes. I cannot pretend otherwise.”

However, the embassy stressed that the result on the pitch would not overshadow the broader relationship between the two countries.

“But there is something more important than tonight’s score: for more than three decades, the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina have stood together as friends and partners.”

“That doesn’t change at kickoff, and it will not change at the final whistle – whatever the result.”

The message concluded with words of encouragement for both teams ahead of one of the biggest matches in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s football history.

“So good luck to both sides tonight. And to Bosnia and Herzegovina and Team U.S.A. - what a run it has been.”