The 2026 FIFA World Cup is giving international football fans more than just memorable matches. For many visitors, it is also providing a firsthand experience of American culture, food and lifestyle.
With about 75% of the tournament’s matches taking place in the United States, supporters from across the globe are exploring the country’s unique attractions and sharing their experiences online.
For Moroccan fan Ayoub Baghdad, one of the first things that stood out was the scale of everyday life in America.
“Everything is big, even the Coke is big,” he said, noting that the roads, trucks and buildings are much larger than what he is used to back home.
Food, Portions and Supermarkets Leave Lasting Impressions
Food has become a major part of the World Cup experience for many visitors.
Fans have taken to social media to document visits to popular American establishments, from Waffle House to Buc-ee’s, the giant convenience store chain known for its massive locations and loyal following.
Scottish travel vlogger Shaun described a visit to Buc-ee’s as a uniquely American experience.
“A place like this could only exist in America and I love it,” he said.
Visitors have also been impressed by the variety and flavour of American food.
Ire Balogun, who travelled from England, said he found American food surprisingly enjoyable.
“I’m surprised even with their fast food, there’s just so much more flavour,” he said.
A group of Portuguese students travelling from Madrid said they had been eager to try restaurant chains they had only previously seen in movies and television shows. Their stops included Chipotle, Shake Shack and several local eateries.
Restaurant customs have also caught the attention of visitors. Free refills, complimentary chips and salsa, and large meal portions have been among the biggest surprises.
Christian Boateng, a Ghanaian living in England, said the serving sizes were far larger than expected.
“The portion we bought, we couldn’t finish everything,” he said.
Discovering American Sports Culture
Some fans have also experienced American sports beyond football.
England supporters Jason Barnes and Harry Beckley found themselves celebrating alongside basketball fans in New York’s Times Square after the New York Knicks won their first NBA championship in more than five decades.
“It’s the craziest celebration I have ever seen,” Barnes said. “I might even start following basketball now because of it.”
Exploring Beyond Host Cities
Many visitors are venturing outside the tournament host cities to experience different regions of the United States.
A Portuguese group travelling through Georgia, Florida and the Carolinas said they were particularly excited to try traditional American barbecue and seafood boils.
“We are going to eat some more traditional American things like barbecue and maybe a seafood boil,” said Tomás Soares.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
Despite concerns about higher costs compared with previous World Cups, many supporters believe the trip is worth it.
Baghdad, who attended the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, acknowledged that prices in the United States are higher but said the experience remains invaluable.
“You can make your own budget to come watch maybe one game or two games and have the experience with you for your whole life because it is not going to happen again,” he said.
As the tournament continues, thousands of international fans are discovering that the World Cup in America offers far more than football, providing a unique opportunity to experience some of the country’s most distinctive traditions, attractions and cultural quirks.
