International soccer fans visiting the U.S. ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup have gone viral for their enthusiastic reactions to American food and culture. German fan Freddy, who has amassed over 358,000 followers on X, has documented his journey across the country, highlighting stops at Buc-ee’s, Taco Bell, Waffle House, and Chipotle. His posts, including a viral Taco Bell visit he called the “holy land,” have garnered millions of views. Swedish tourist Elsa Thora also shared her experiences, describing her first taste of ranch dressing as “like crack” and marveling at the U.S. as the “land of the free.”
Freddy’s posts have included praise for Waffle House’s late-night service and the lush landscapes of Georgia and Tennessee. He also expressed support for country music artist Ella Langley during his trip. Thora’s observations, meanwhile, have focused on the novelty of American snacks and grocery stores, contrasting her expectations with the reality of her visit. Both fans have noted the surreal experience of traveling through the U.S., with Thora describing it as “a bit surreal” and Freddy emphasizing the country’s natural beauty.
The viral posts come as the U.S. prepares to host 78 of the World Cup’s 104 matches across 11 cities. However, political tensions have also surfaced, with reports that 15 Iranian officials have been denied entry to the U.S., according to Iranian state media. This has created hurdles for some fans and participants hoping to attend matches, contrasting with the lighthearted social media content from tourists like Freddy and Thora.