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'This could only exist in America': What are foreign football fans finding in the US?

June 19, 2026

International visitors attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States are expressing amazement at distinctly American characteristics, particularly the unusually large sizes of food portions, buildings, vehicles, and consumer products. Foreign football fans from countries including Morocco, England, Portugal, and Ghana are documenting their experiences on social media, showcasing their encounters with American chain restaurants, convenience stores, and cultural practices like free refills and complimentary chips and salsa. While some visitors note that the atmosphere surrounding the tournament feels more subdued compared to previous World Cups held elsewhere, as football competes with other major American sports for attention, they remain enthusiastic about exploring American culture and cuisine.

Who is affected

  • International football fans from Morocco, England, Portugal, Ghana, Scotland, and Spain attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup
  • Specific individuals mentioned: Ayoub Baghdad (Morocco), Shaun (Scotland), Ire Balogun (England), João Valentim (Portuguese student from Madrid), Lourenço Silva (Portuguese), Christian Boateng (Ghana/England), Jason Barnes and Harry Beckley (England), Tomás Soares and José de Araújo Vitória (Portuguese)
  • American restaurants, chains, and businesses (Waffle House, Buc-ee's, Chipotle, Shake Shack) hosting international visitors
  • Host cities in the US, Mexico, and Canada

What action is being taken

  • International fans are traveling throughout the US to watch World Cup matches
  • Visitors are exploring American culture by trying chain restaurants and local food establishments
  • Fans are creating viral videos on social media documenting their experiences with American food and culture
  • Travelers are venturing to US regions including Georgia, Florida, the Carolinas, and the South

Why it matters

  • This represents a significant cultural exchange opportunity as the US hosts approximately 75% of World Cup matches, exposing international visitors to American culture, cuisine, and lifestyle. The experience challenges preconceptions about American culture while highlighting distinctive differences in consumer practices, portion sizes, and sporting culture between the US and other countries. For many visitors, this represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience American culture firsthand, creating lasting impressions that shape international perceptions of the United States.

What's next

  • The Portuguese group plans to travel to Georgia, Florida, and the Carolinas
  • They intend to eat traditional American foods including barbecue and seafood boils
  • No other explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC