The FIFA World Cup has always been about more than soccer. It brings people together from every corner of the globe. They create friendships, make unforgettable memories, and remind us how much we have in common.
For many international visitors, the tournament was their very first experience in the United States. They arrived with excitement, curiosity, and, in some cases, preconceived ideas about what America would be like.
As the matches unfolded, something remarkable happened. Social media filled with heartfelt videos and personal stories. These came from fans who found themselves pleasantly surprised by the people, places, and everyday experiences they encountered. Beyond the stadiums and cheering crowds, visitors discovered a side of America that many never expected.
Kindness
One of the most common themes shared by visitors was the warmth of ordinary Americans. Fans described being welcomed into conversations at restaurants, receiving directions from strangers, and even being invited to backyard barbecues or pre-game tailgate parties. Many admitted they had expected people to be distant. Instead, they found genuine hospitality nearly everywhere they traveled.
The stadium experience
The size and technology of American sports venues impressed many, many visitors. Massive video screens, organized security, and modern transportation systems made attending matches an unforgettable (and pleasant) experience.
Host cities also invested heavily in fan festivals. They featured live music, interactive exhibits, giant viewing screens, and family-friendly entertainment. Many visitors commented that the celebration extended far beyond the ninety minutes of soccer. They felt truly welcomed.
Road trips
For many visiting fans, the World Cup became the perfect excuse to explore America between matches. International visitors rented cars, traveled our scenic highways, and visited national parks, small towns, and famous roadside attractions.
Some social media creators documented their excitement while stopping at iconic American businesses, discovering small-town diners, and driving hundreds of miles through landscapes they had only seen in movies. These travels created adventures unlike any previous World Cup. (As RVers, we can relate, right?)
Food
American food quickly became one of the tournament’s biggest surprises. Visitors enthusiastically sampled regional barbecue, burgers, and fried chicken. They enjoyed Tex-Mex cuisine, lobster rolls, and cheesesteaks. Then there was Southern comfort food, specialty pizza, and countless additional local eats.
Many fans also laughed about American portion sizes (they’re huge!), free refillable soft drinks (won’t see that back home!) and free ice (ditto!). Visitors were surprised by late-night diners and convenience stores that seemed larger than supermarkets back home. Foods like chicken wings, ranch dressing, Waffle House breakfasts, Buc-ee’s snacks, and oversized coffees became viral online videos.
(I take many of these things for granted: the everyday conveniences, the wonderful variety of food, the breathtaking landscapes, and even our freedoms. I’m humbled and proud at the same time. What a blessing to be a citizen of the USA.)
New appreciation
Visitors admitted they arrived with doubts or negative expectations. After spending time meeting local residents and exploring the country, many said their opinions had changed dramatically.
Instead of focusing on headlines they read before traveling, visitors spoke about the generous and friendly people. They reminisced about unforgettable meals (buffalo wings?) and air conditioning (not all that common in their home countries).
Of course, soccer fans also voiced praise for our beautiful scenery and the overwhelming vastness of the U.S. (“You can drive for days and days and days!”) Perhaps the warmest memories they’ll revisit often are the ordinary folks who welcomed them (and the world) with open arms.
That may become one of the tournament’s greatest legacies. Long after the final whistle, thousands of visitors will return home carrying stories that paint a more personal picture of the United States—one built not on stereotypes, but on real experiences.
RVT1269
Thank you for writing that heartfelt article, Gail. Truly, thank you!!!
Since becoming a citizen of the USA, not a single day has passed that my heart did not swell with pride for my country. No place on earth compares and its not even close….. 🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲
Great article. It has been great welcoming our friends visiting for the world cup. The people are not like our government.
Most people have a lot in common if they would just come together and stop listening to governments and media
In my opinion the media is a lot of the problem
The World Cup has been a wonderful experience for so many and happy to be hearing of all the positive experiences from foreign visitors as well as Americans. We all have a lot more in common than we think. Thank you for sharing.