The Patriot Post® · World Cup Visitors Amazed by the American Spirit
Hundreds of thousands of tourists have descended upon the United States for the World Cup. These tourists are not relegated to the East and West Coasts but are also in the American heartland — places like Chattanooga, Tennessee; Columbus, Ohio; and Kansas City, Missouri. And as they discover regular America, they have had their eyes opened wide.
The U.S. is not what they were told it is. America is beautiful, diverse, and rich in friendly culture. Americans are indeed louder than the Europeans, but we are also more hospitable than the global stereotype would have people believe. These World Cup tourists are flooding social media with a new genre, telling followers they love this country, its people, and everything America has to offer.
They absolutely love the food. They cannot get enough of Ranch dressing, barbecue, biscuits and gravy, and other American staples like Taco Bell and Waffle House.
Air conditioning is also a wonder for them. Even free refills on drinks are a marvel — something most Americans take for granted.
Another thing blowing tourists’ minds is that you have to drive everywhere in America. One tourist, a German whose social media username is “Freddy,” is in the midst of an American road trip. He started in Atlanta, Georgia, and has driven his way through Alabama and Tennessee. He saw his first World Cup game at Auburn University’s Jordan-Hare Stadium, where Argentina played Iceland in a pre-cup friendly. During his trip, he experienced the magic of Waffle House at 1 a.m., the incredible beauty of Tennessee, and the genuine kindness of Americans. Freddy was planning on walking an hour to the Auburn stadium when a hotel receptionist offered to drive him instead.
Freddy’s experience is going viral, but he is far from the only tourist with wonderful things to say about the Land of the Free. A British couple was given free food at a deli simply because the manager wanted to make sure they were taken care of, since they had come such a long way.
A South African tourist raved about the safety, cleanliness, and decency of America. He pointed out that only in a high-trust society can women walk alone on the streets unmolested, and men can walk alone at night and not be mugged.
A French tourist in Washington, DC, was delighted at the way American strangers would encourage and compliment one another just as a matter of course.
To be clear, these anecdotes are not because Americans are being extra nice due to the World Cup. A vast number of them have no interest in soccer and have no idea what hosting a World Cup entails. This is just who regular Americans are as a people. This should make us proud.
The best part is that most of these World Cup visitors are experiencing Middle America, a.k.a. “flyover country.” Tourists and teams alike have not been relegated to the East or West Coast because soccer games are being played all across the country. They are seeing an appreciation for a vital part of America.
For some Americans, this is like a balm. We are often told that we are the worst country on earth — the oppressors and supervillains of our time. To discover that we are just as great a nation as we thought we were is a refreshing change. After all, with each passing generation, it seems that love of America is becoming increasingly out of fashion.
Those Democrats who hate our country and wholeheartedly believe that we are a terrible nation with racist, bigoted people are flabbergasted by this influx of praise. For example, CNN host Christine Brennan was flummoxed that tourists found the South “welcoming.” (CNN is based in Atlanta, by the way — arguably not the South, but still.) Americans all across the country wrote in, reminding CNN that the South is known for its hospitality.
On a broader media note, visitors have commented that their media lied to them about America. They believed that the U.S. was still some sort of Wild West where people hate and shoot each other. I suppose that in certain parts of Chicago, they might find that to be true. However, what most foreigners found is quite the opposite. Many hate having to return home.
These tourists are giving back in the best way possible. Not only are they helping re-instill national pride, but they are also enriching the cities to which they have flocked.
Boston has adopted the Scottish fans known as the Tartan Army.
The Japanese fans selflessly cleaned up the stadium after the Japan-Netherlands game. This is a tradition they observe for every game as a sign of respect, and it is truly appreciated.
JAPAN vs NYC pic.twitter.com/sE7y7s0uAm
— @amuse (@amuse) June 15, 2026
The Brazilian fans brought their joy to New York City — and God knows the citizens of The Big Apple desperately need that.
Lawrence, Kansas, has adopted the Algerian national team. This smaller American town was honored to be chosen to host the Algerians.
But best of all, these tourists are de-propagandizing from the bad rap America has undeservedly earned.
What the World Cup has shown us so far: Propaganda has worked immensely.
— Da Dad (@RogueLeaderLA) June 14, 2026
Americans are taught that our country is nothing special.
Europeans are taught that America is a horrible country.
Europeans visiting are reminding us that none of it is true.
For those of us who love our country, getting such warm assurances feels like a weight has been lifted. Thank you, tourists, for flooding social media with all sorts of love for the U.S. Not only are you calling out the lies of the Leftmedia, but you are giving us the best birthday present we could ask for.