America is expecting an influx of tourists from all over the world since 2026 FIFA World Cup. And while we knew visiting with thousands of travelers would be a bit crowded, I’m not sure anyone could have predicted it would also be this much fun.
Visitors post their first impressions of the United States and all the unexpected things they discovered during their trip. Judging by their critiques of our fast food restaurants, theme parks, and gas stations, you could say we Americans take these things for granted.
A German visitor who goes by the name FreddyLA7 on X has gone viral, posting about his rosy views during his trip through the South. Freddy’s has posted rave reviews of everything from Wendy’s to Buc-ee’s and Waffle House, which he rates 10/10, delighting thousands of people online who love his positive attitude. (He’s wasting no time either, visiting six states in six days before the World Cup).
Just had our first Waffle House experience at 1am. Good food, good prices and friendly staff. 10/10, we’ll be back.😋 pic.twitter.com/QHgftpqfoX
– Freddy🇩🇪 (@FreddyLA7) June 8, 2026
Fast food isn’t the only thing Freddy posts about. Fans also love his impressions of the cities he has visited.
Swedish X user ElsaThora delights in the little things about her trip: fire trucks, ranch dressing, and Indiana.
Indiana is exactly what I dreamed America would be
Small towns, wide open spaces, cornfields, barns, cute houses, restaurants, water towers, friendly people, great food, American flags everywhere and so much more!
It’s time for the rest of this adventure
Thank you Indiana! pic.twitter.com/Ru5sQYzrgn
– Elsa (@elsathora) June 10, 2026
Another unexpected side effect of coming to the United States for the World Cup while the NBA Finals are also underway? Tourists from the Big Apple find themselves surrounded by New York sports fans who are so ready to see their team (possibly) win the championship this year, and the enthusiasm rubs off. Come on, Knicks!
It’s not just fans getting into Americana. Spanish superstar Lamine Yamal was spotted shopping at Walmart this week. Men in Blazers shared the video on their TikTok page:
Other fans bring their culture to the United States, like Scottish tourists who woke their neighbors with the sweet sound of their bagpipes. (In fact, Scottish fans, known as the Tartan Army, have made their presence known throughout Massachusetts, where the team’s first two matches are being played.)
There are literally thousands of fans chronicling their travels across the United States during the World Cup, but these are just some of the most wholesome and hilarious ones we’ve found. Is it possible that this tournament really will be the global unifier we need?
Follow all of CNET’s World Cup coverage, including our watch guides and tips for finding local watch parties to hang out with other fans – and tourists.
