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10 best World Cup tourists’ reactions to everyday American life
From Dunkin’ to John Denver, here are some of the best reactions that international World Cup fans are having to American culture
Patrick RyanUSA TODAY
July 2, 2026, 5:59 p.m. ET
From Buc-cee’s to barbecue, international tourists can’t get enough of American culture
Over the last few weeks, foreign visitors to the FIFA World Cup have been going viral with their reactions to everyday life in the U.S., whether it’s Southern hospitality or gigantic portion sizes. It’s the first time that America has co-hosted the month-long soccer tournament since 1994, when word spread much slower before the advent of social media
Back then, “international visitors were discovering American culture, but the experience was localized,” says Rachel J.C. Fu, chair and professor of the department of tourism, hospitality and event management at the University of Florida
“Visitors would return home and share stories with family, friends, and some of their own local media,” Fu continues. “Their observations traveled at the speed of conversation. In the 21st century, social media has transformed every visitor into a global storyteller. … Many of these viral moments are not about famous landmarks. They’re about everyday life. Visitors are reminding Americans that some things we take for granted: customer service, abundant choices, free refills, air-conditioned public spaces, and spontaneous friendliness.”
Here are just a handful of the topics that have been fodder for viral reactions during the 2026 World Cup:
