US World Cup performance stirs mixed emotions in St Louis’s Bosnian community
Key takeaways
- Fans react during the second half of the United States’ 2-0 World Cup round 32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina at a watch party at Bevo Caffe Lounge in St Louis on 1 July 2026.
- The midwestern city has about 70,000 Bosnians, most of whom fled the country during its war in the 90s, making it the largest such community outside the Balkan country.
- Before a World Cup warmup match in St Louis between Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Panama, thousands in the community paraded through the city with their native country’s blue, white and yellow regalia.
Why this matters: a developing story that could shape the day's news cycle.
Fans react during the second half of the United States’ 2-0 World Cup round 32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina at a watch party at Bevo Caffe Lounge in St Louis on 1 July 2026. Photograph: Whitney Curtis/The Guardian View image in fullscreen Fans react during the second half of the United States’ 2-0 World Cup round 32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina at a watch party at Bevo Caffe Lounge in St Louis on 1 July 2026. Photograph: Whitney Curtis/The Guardian World Cup US World Cup performance stirs mixed emotions in St Louis’s Bosnian communityThe US city is home to about 70,000 Bosnians, the largest diaspora community outside their homeland
Prefer the Guardian on GoogleMersad Smajic, a St Louis, Missouri, real estate investor and restaurant owner, has been thrilled to see fellow Bosnian immigrants thrive in their new home, which has been especially evident during the World Cup.
The midwestern city has about 70,000 Bosnians, most of whom fled the country during its war in the 90s, making it the largest such community outside the Balkan country.