From In-and-Out to Taco Bell, Europeans Discover American Food at World Cup
From In and Out to Taco – As the 2026 FIFA World Cup unfolds across American cities, soccer fans from Europe are not only embracing the sport but also indulging in the rich tapestry of U.S. cuisine. From greasy, handheld burgers to the ubiquitous ranch dressing, these international visitors are experiencing a unique cultural phenomenon that has sparked widespread fascination and humor online.
The global attention on American food during the tournament has created a wave of viral content, with travelers sharing their encounters on social media platforms. These posts, often humorous and heartfelt, have not only captivated audiences but also reinforced a sense of national pride among U.S. viewers as the country celebrates its 250th birthday. What began as a simple exploration of local eateries has transformed into a shared celebration of American quirks and abundance.
English Fan Shares Love for American Burgers
Leah Ray, a social media user from England, has become a prominent figure in this food-driven narrative. In a post that garnered over 100,000 views on X, she described her first encounter with a Double Double cheeseburger from In-and-Out, a fast-food chain known for its oversized offerings. “It’s massive,” Ray said in a video captioned with her enthusiastic review. “It’s crispy, salty, fluffy. Everything in one.” Her post highlights the surprising delight of European fans with American fast food, particularly the sheer size and bold flavors of items like the Crunchwrap Supremes and Big Macs.
“I’m an English girl in In-and-Out and trying the Double Double cheeseburger for the first time,” Ray said in her post. “Look how cute, it comes in this little tray.”
Ray’s journey through the U.S. has been meticulously documented, earning her a large following of fans eager to relive her experiences. She praised Chipotle for its “soooo good” Mexican fare and described her first visit to IHOP, where she mistook a side of butter for ice cream. The anecdote, while lighthearted, underscores the cultural surprises and misunderstandings that accompany such trips.
German Tourist Gains Fame for Food Obsession
Another standout among the European travelers is a user known as @FreddyLA7, a German whose passion for American fast food has catapulted him into the spotlight. His posts featuring Waffle House and Taco Bell have amassed over half a million followers, including NFL legend J.J. Watt, who reportedly arranged a luxury hotel room in Houston for Freddy ahead of the June 14 match between Germany and Curacao. Watt’s social media message, “Welcome to Houston Freddy,” became a symbol of the camaraderie between fans and the host nation.
“Welcome to Houston Freddy,” Watt posted on June 14.
Freddy’s viral fame stems from his unfiltered enthusiasm for American staples. In one post, he captioned a photo of a Taco Bell feast as “The holy land,” while another showcased a plate of chicken tenders and fries from Raising Cane’s, with the caption: “Lives were changed.” His viral phrases, such as “The European mind can’t comprehend this,” have become a rallying cry for those who find American food both bizarre and brilliant.
These food posts are not just about indulgence—they’re about discovery. For many Europeans, the sheer scale of American fast-food portions and the variety of condiments, like ranch dressing, are revelations. The phrase “ranch dressing” has taken on a new life, being used to describe anything from the size of a Buc-ee’s gas station to the dizzying array of electric fans in a Walmart. It’s a testament to how deeply these experiences are resonating with fans.
American Pride and Cultural Exchange
Meanwhile, Americans are finding themselves at the center of this global admiration. The positive attention has come as a welcome change from past critiques of the U.S. as a “gourmet” outsider. As one woman put it: “Do I care about soccer, no. Do I love the World Cup content right now because it makes me feel patriotic, yes!” Her sentiment reflects a broader trend of pride in the nation’s cultural identity, even as fans appreciate its eccentricities.
For others, the World Cup has been a reminder of how much of the U.S. experience is shaped by its iconic food. A Texas lawyer shared: “It’s made me realize we do have culture. Some of it’s weird, but it’s still culture.” This perspective highlights the irony of a nation often mocked for its fast-food culture now being celebrated for it.
As the tournament progresses, the phenomenon of foreign food reviews is expected to grow. With matches running until the July 19 final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, there’s ample opportunity for more culinary adventures. American content creators, too, are taking part in the fun, with Sam Mandel from Winchester, Virginia, crafting a parody of his own. In a viral video, he pretends to be a British fan trying Chick-fil-A for the first time, capturing the same awe and humor as his European counterparts.
“I’ve been seeing it all over my feed,” Mandel told USA TODAY on June 14. “Honestly I can’t stop watching. Something about it is so riveting.”
Mandel’s parody, which has nearly 650,000 views, encapsulates the global appeal of American food. It’s a playful nod to the way these posts blend nostalgia, curiosity, and humor, creating a shared experience that transcends language and borders. Whether it’s the simplicity of a Big Mac or the novelty of a Twinkie, the World Cup has become a stage for showcasing the unexpected charm of U.S. culture.
The viral trend is also amplifying the World Cup’s reach, drawing attention to the nation’s unique way of life. Posts celebrating school buses, air conditioning, and even the spectacle of a McDonald’s drive-thru have taken on a new dimension, making the U.S. feel like a land of endless wonder. For many Europeans, these food experiences are more than just snacks—they’re a gateway to understanding the American spirit, one burger at a time.
As the tournament continues, the blend of soccer and American cuisine will likely remain a standout feature of the event. The stories shared by European fans, from the first bite of a Double Double to the marvel of a sunset over a stadium in Alabama, are shaping a new narrative—one that celebrates the quirks and grandeur of the United States. Whether through laughter, awe, or a touch of nostalgia, these food moments are adding an extra layer of excitement to the World Cup experience.
