World Cup Visitors Are Falling in Love With America, One Waffle House at a Time

The World Cup has delivered thrilling goals, dramatic finishes and packed stadiums across America, quieting concerns about chaos. It’s also shaping up to be a month-long cultural exchange with hundreds of thousands of international visitors, discovering America one hot dog, beer, and cheap meal at a time.According to Oxford Economics, approximately 1.24 million international visitors are expected to be in the United States during the World Cup, descending upon host cities Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, Seattle and the San Francisco Bay Area.Many of those who came for soccer have found a unique blending of American culture with international customs, traditions and thirst for a party. Social media has been flooded with videos and posts from visiting supporters marveling at everything from oversized fast-food portions to local hospitality and tourist attractions.German soccer influencer FreddyLA7, who has more than 700,000 followers on X, posted a photo of a Taco Bell at Atlanta and declared the fast-food chain, “the holy land.”His American tour also included visits to filming locations from the television series “Stranger Things,” the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park and a memorable late-night stop at Waffle House.“Just had our first Waffle House experience at 1 a.m.,” he posted. “Great food, great prices and friendly staff. 10/10. We will be coming back.”Visitors from Britain have been equally enthusiastic. An influencer from the United Kingdom, SkylarSkye3, became obsessed with American comfort food, particularly hot dogs.“I can’t like — the food in America is ridiculous,” she wrote. “Everyone talks about portion sizes, but nobody talks enough about how good everything tastes.”For many tourists, who spent thousands of dollars for tickets and accommodations, America’s affordable dining options have been an unexpected benefit. From New York pizza slices and Miami Cuban sandwiches to street tacos and bodega burgers, visitors have embraced local cuisine.In exchange for food and hospitality, international supporters are sharing their sporting culture. Scotland’s famous Tartan Army transformed Boston into a giant kilt-wearing street party during the opening week of the tournament.Members of Scotland’s “Tartan Army” perform outside of Fenway Park before a game between the Texas Rangers and the Boston Red Sox at Boston on June 14, 2026. Paul Rutherford/Getty ImagesThousands flooded bars, restaurants and public squares, singing traditional songs, posing for pictures and charming the locals with their friendliness. Their popularity exploded on social media.One woman organized a dating event for 100 single women to meet “a nice Scottish man,” though he may have been more interested in the beer.The Greatest Bar in Boston reported the busiest week in its 22-year history, while other local establishments scrambled to replenish beer inventories as demand surged. According to Meet Boston, two popular establishments served more than 300 kegs of lager during Scotland’s stay.“Every day there’s a new truckload of beer coming in,” an employee of a Scottish-themed pub at Boston told reporters.The affection was mutual.“I think every city they go to, people just fall in love with them,” Scotland’s captain Andy Robertson said of his supporters. “That’s the biggest compliment I can give them.”The Tartan Army invaded South Florida on Monday for Wednesday’s match against Brazil at Hard Rock Stadium. To announce their presence, thousands marched from Little Havana to loanDepot Park for a Miami Marlins baseball game wearing kilts, Scotland jerseys, and the occasional traffic cone hat. Miami residents joined the procession, singing and chanting as they headed toward a baseball game.“The atmosphere is absolutely amazing, just electric,” said Linn Leith, who made the journey from Scotland.The Scots have a tradition of placing traffic cones on statues. Boston didn’t seem to mind, but the practice got some initial resistance in Miami where a police officer ordered one supporter to remove the cone.“It’s obviously not Boston,” the supporter mumbled in the video.Despite that blip, Scots figure to have as good a time in Miami as they had in Boston.Meanwhile, Norway supporters have created their own viral sensation, introducing Americans to the “ro,” a synchronized rowing motion inspired by Viking ships. The celebration has spread throughout host cities.Members of the Norwegian parliament did the ‘ro’ to show their support for the team making its first World Cup appearance in 28 years. Ahead of Norway’s match against Senegal at MetLife Stadium, thousands gathered at Times Square and performed the rowing routine together.Once at MetLife, thousands of fans did the ‘ro’ in unison in the stands to the beat of a drum, and Norway’s players joined in following their 3-2 victory to clinch a spot in the Round of 32 by taking a seat on the pitch; as one teammate pounded a drum, the rest pulled their arms back in union, as if moving an oar through the water.The celebration has become so popular that a few Norwegian fans demonstrated it during an appearance on “Good Morning America.”There have been issues with foreign guests not understanding the American concept of tipping for friendly service and oversized meals, but otherwise the reviews from visitors have been overwhelmingly positive.Even the self-proclaimed most “oppressed team” in the tournament made an attempt at promoting good will. Following its final group stage match in Los Angeles on Sunday, Iran’s players left a hand-written note at SoFi Stadium, thanking the city for its hospitality and calling for peace, friendship and mutual respect among nations.“We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honour and leave with dignity,” the note read. “Thank you, Los Angeles, for your hospitality. And thank you to every Iranian who gave their heart, voice and soul for Iran throughout these 180 minutes. May peace, respect and friendship prevail among all nations.”For the first time, an unprecedented 32 teams will reach the knockout round, extending the stay in America for more international visitors. Judging from the social posts, full restaurants, packed bars and spirited crowds, nobody seems to mind.

World Cup Visitors Are Falling in Love With America, One Waffle House at a Time

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