“Gutfeld!” »: World Cup tourists discover American culture and fall in love
PK Press Club host Greg Gutfeld and the “Gutfeld!” The panel explores why World Cup fans from Europe and Asia discover and appreciate American culture, particularly its comfort food classics and chain restaurants. They highlight tourists’ surprise at the large portions and variety at places like Waffle House and Buc-ee’s. The panelists debate whether this appreciation is genuine or a subtle criticism of American cuisine, highlighting the unique appeal of American casual dining.
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Many foreigners visit the United States for the first time to watch their team play in the World Cup, and most fall in love with America.
However, perhaps no one is more head over heels in love with the Stars and Stripes than Freddy, who has been live-tweeting his fairytale experience in the United States since his arrival.
So who is he?
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German players celebrate after their match in Houston, Texas, June 14, 2026. (Maria Lysaker/Imagn Images)
Freddy, whose X account profile picture is Cristiano Ronaldo and who has a German flag next to his name, arrived from Germany. He made a stopover in Dublin, Ireland, before diving headfirst into American culture with his two friends.
In all the photos he posted of himself, he covered his face, giving people a front row seat to his first experience with the United States.
He lands in New York, then flies to Atlanta, where his journey begins. Each of his messages is accompanied by a photo.
Freddy said the World Cup atmosphere was palpable, even though the first match in Atlanta was nine days away at press time. While sightseeing, he was surprised by the “green” appearance of Atlanta and said it felt like he was in a forest.
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German fans watch from the stands in Houston, Texas, June 14, 2026. (Trojan Taormina/Imagn Images)
He then documents his first experience with American cuisine: Taco Bell. He called the fast food chain “holy ground.”
After visiting some “Stranger Things” filming locations, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park and a trip to the top of Stone Mountain, Freddy let his growing fans know he was heading to North Georgia.
During the trip, he talked about his immense excitement about stopping at a Walmart, his admiration of the houses as he “drove through a town called Gainesville,” and then his very first late-night experience at the Waffle House.
“Just had our first experience at Waffle House at 1am. Good food, good prices and friendly staff 10/10, we will be back,” Freddy posted.
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German fans watch from the stands in Houston, Texas, June 14, 2026. (Maria Lysaker/Imagn Images)
After a transformative experience at Waffle House, Freddy shared his experience on an alpine roller coaster in Helen and his experience tubing on the Chattahoochee River. Unfortunately he didn’t have a locker and his shoes were soaked.
After this time spent outdoors, Freddy enjoyed another American staple: Wendy’s.
He posted a photo of his order then expressed confusion about the modern soda fountain.
After his second trip to a fast food restaurant, he returns to Georgia to discover more of its beauty. He posted a video atop Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest peak. Unfortunately for Freddy, it rained and, as his shoes were soaked from the tubes, he found himself stuck in socks and flip flops in a rainstorm at the top of the mountain.
Freddy then left Georgia and spent time in Tennessee. He went to spend the night at a Chili’s in Chattanooga and watched the NBA Finals. He saw the Spanish national team hotel, but the team wasn’t in town.
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After Tennessee, Freddy embarked on a road trip to Houston for the Germany game. He let the world know he had arrived in Alabama by posting a photo of a replica World Cup trophy on the road outside the state border.
While on his way to Auburn Stadium for Iceland’s friendly against Argentina, he praised a good Samaritan.
“I love Americans. We were about to walk an hour to the stadium in the rain to save on an Uber, and the receptionist at the hotel we were parked in front of decided to drive us there,” Freddy posted with a prayer emoji.
He called Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium “the craziest stadium I’ve ever been to.”
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Freddy was stunned when “Swag Surfin'” blared through the speakers.
German was even more surprised by the discovery of Buc-ee’s and its size, and loved the dinner he and his friends received there at 1 a.m.
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After crossing the night into Alabama, Freddy entered Florida, the fourth state on the trip. The heat hit the German like a ton of bricks: “It’s so hot we have to go to the beach immediately!!!” He posted in all caps.
In Florida, he discovered a restaurant that shared his name, “Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.”
During the road trip, Freddy revealed that he discovered country music star Ella Langley on the radio. He called Langley “the soundtrack to our journey.”
Freddy then went to the beach and spent the night in Fairhope, Alabama, where he marveled at the beauty of the place.
The football fan then discovers another American specialty, Bass Pro Shops.
“We found another surreal place on our way. I know some people will say I’m too positive about everything I see, but this place was crazy. They had a shooting range in the store.”
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“They sold guns there.”
He then attended the opening match of the World Cup against the Buffalo Wild Wings.
During their trip to Louisiana, Freddy discovered how viral he had become when the radio station he listened to referenced his posts and played them a Langley song.
They didn’t stop in Louisiana often, but managed to make it to New Orleans, where they enjoyed the Waffle House again.
In New Orleans, they toured the New Orleans Pelicans and New Orleans Saints facilities, and posted a photo with Tyler Shough.
“This is not what we expected when we flew to the United States last week.”
In the swamps of Louisiana, they discover an alligator. However, the big news came a day later: They’re going to meet Langley herself at a concert next Thursday.
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Still in Louisiana, they were able to discover Bourbon Street. Their tours didn’t end with the Saints and Pelicans, as they also got to tour LSU’s facilities and Tiger Stadium.
Freddy’s life-changing crash course in America continued with a stop at Raising Cane’s. He posted a photo of a “Welcome to Louisiana” sign, with a welcome message addressed to him.
They eventually arrived in Texas, where they fittingly played Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” en route to the Lone Star State.
However, the surprises for Freddy and his friends weren’t over yet. Houston Texans legend JJ Watt gave them a hotel room and left many gifts for the German.
After staying in the luxury provided by Watt, they were able to watch Germany play and win. Germany dominated Curacao 7-1 and Freddy was impressed by another American stadium.
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Impromptu tours have not been limited to college campuses and professional sports franchises. They met with the Houston Police Department and ate “typical Texas barbecue” together.
In Houston, Freddy and his friends discovered a new sport when they attended their first baseball game Monday night between the Houston Astros and the Detroit Tigers. The fairytale of a trip continued when they met the mayor of Houston at the game, who delivered them a note.
Freddy’s journey isn’t over, but the love he received here in America is just beginning.
