Christopher Columbus left his mark over 500 years ago, but it seems that a new wave of Europeans is discovering the U.S. during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Many are sharing positive experiences on social media, particularly about the comforting food and hospitality they encounter here.
The World Cup matches are set to take place across various U.S. cities, including Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, Seattle, and the San Francisco Bay Area. According to a report from Oxford Economics, about 1.24 million international tourists are anticipated to visit the U.S. for the event. The firm also mentioned that this tournament is expected to trigger a significant recovery in international travel, filling hotels and showcasing the broader economic boost from such a large-scale event.
Interestingly, the surge in tourism has ignited an interest in American culture among some visitors. For example, an X user, a German named Freddy, has gained over 500,000 followers by documenting his adventures while exploring the Southern U.S. He began his road trip a week prior and couldn’t help but rave about Georgia’s lush landscape, commenting “It’s crazy,” and celebrating Taco Bell as a “sacred place” in a post filled with food photos.
Freddy also visited locations tied to *Stranger Things* and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, enthusiastically sharing his thoughts on a shopping excursion to Walmart.
In one of his posts, Freddy described his first Waffle House experience around 1 AM, paired with a photo of various dishes. He gave it a glowing review, saying, “Great food, great prices, and friendly staff. 10/10, will be back again.” He even joked about being overwhelmed by the selection of soft drink options at Wendy’s.
On another occasion, he cheekily commented about Buc-ee’s, calling it just a gas station and posted a late-night dinner he picked up there. His food updates also included mentions of Chili’s, Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburger, Chipotle, and Waffle House yet again.
Freddy expressed his delight over discovering a musician named Ella Langley during his trip, stating they became fans after hearing her music on multiple national stations. He dubbed her the soundtrack to their travels.
He found Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World to be a “surreal place” and even shared a snapshot of a rifle inside the store. Some might think he was overly enthusiastic, but he genuinely felt impressed by everything he encountered.
Another visitor shared a tender moment about the warmth of Americans. They recounted how, rather than walking an hour in the rain to the stadium to save on Uber costs, a hotel receptionist offered them a ride. This kind of hospitality is what many tourists have been experiencing.
In another viral post, a Norwegian boy happily devoured a burger at In-N-Out, and there’s been a wave of admiration for the food quality in the U.S. In fact, one traveler from the UK commented on how extraordinary the food is, remarking on the portion sizes and quality even at fast food places.
Certain visitors had less favorable first impressions, especially when trying regional dishes like biscuits and gravy. A Japanese traveler initially reacted to the dish’s appearance with skepticism, but he later admitted that his taste buds were pleasantly surprised. “Warm and peppery,” he noted, humorously apologizing for his earlier judgment.
One of the more humorous aspects of the trip involved a brain freeze incident after indulging in too many slushies at a gas station, showcasing the lighter side of the American experience.
It seems that many visitors are being immersed in the American landscape beyond the typical tourist hotspots like New York or Los Angeles. Instead, they are experiencing the heart of the culture in places less highlighted by mainstream media.
Reports also indicate that some restaurant owners have gone out of their way to help World Cup fans, offering rides to games or complimentary meals, indicating a spirit of generosity and hospitality that’s resonating with travelers. Firefighters in Alabama even extended their hospitality, providing tours of their stations and free supplies to visitors.
This remarkable degree of hospitality has left a lasting impression on many tourists, who attribute it to people embodying what they view as American values and principles.
