Fast food, Southern states and stadiums: World Cup fans discover American staples

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The 2026 FIFA World Cup introduces fans around the world to the sights and sounds that the United States, Canada and Mexico have to offer. As 48 fans prepare to watch their countries compete for a World Cup trophy, the bonus of many soccer matches is immersing themselves in the culture of the host countries.

For German fans and influencers Freddy and Fiago, their discoveries in places like Georgia, Tennessee, and Chicago, Illinois, took social media by storm with reactions to the places they stopped along the way. As England prepare for their opening match on June 17, England fans are shopping in Florida and at a local convenience store.

Freddy’s finds

Germany meets one of the South’s best breakfast spots

It’s a breakfast chain – known for its impeccable Southern charm and waffles – that meets a German named Freddy, who ventures South ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and discovers some of the American shows that don’t reside in Europe.

One of the best parts of Freddy’s trip to Waffle House in Georgia is that he didn’t even go there during traditional breakfast hours, since he sat down at 1 a.m. and opted for hash browns instead of waffles.

Pit stop at fast food restaurant “Holy Land”

One of America’s leading fast food chains just got a European fan: Freddy stopped at Taco Bell during a visit to Atlanta. Her X post was captioned “The Holy Land” with a photo of the restaurant and her order, which includes several items like chips and nacho cheese and even their signature drink Baja Blast.

Based on the legend of Freddy, which denotes much praise for a short and sweet legend, he tells us everything we need to know about his experience at Taco Bell.

Add another fast food chain to the list

As if Freddy’s fast food adventures only stopped at Taco Bell and Waffle House, he also visited Wendy’s. Freddy and his friends ordered several items from the menu, like burgers, crispy chicken sandwiches, and even cheese fries.

Plus, he came across his very first soda machine with various options, from strawberry Sprite to vanilla Coca-Cola. Freddy turned to X to share his conflict over which Sprite flavor to share with his meal.

Freddy’s final stops before Houston: where should he stop?

He went to a Waffle House, a Walmart, a Taco Bell, and a Wendy’s, but after a few more stops before he officially arrived in Houston, Freddy asked the Internet where he should stop. Here are some of its most suggested places:

1. Buccee Gas Station:

The gas station that features up to 120 gas pumps and signature food selections, Buccee’s is a common stop for travelers looking for a stop while driving the southern highways. The gas station offers one-of-a-kind food items like fudge made on-site, Texas-themed merchandise and even its own mascot.

2. Tiger Stadium, LSU

While Freddy will head to Jordan-Hare Stadium to watch the Argentina-Algeria friendly in Auburn, Tiger Stadium reigns as one of the most iconic stadiums in college football due to its size and atmosphere.

3. Bourbon Street, New Orleans

Known as one of the quintessential tourist spots in all of Louisiana, let alone the South, Bourbon Street offers incredible and famous dining options like the beignets at Café Du Monde, the pearl necklaces thrown from Balcony’s, and its jazz scene all over the streets.

Freddy’s takes on Tennessee

Freddy arrived in Tennessee on Monday, visiting a nearby lake before settling into Chattanooga for the night. He watched Game 3 of the NBA Finals from a local Chili’s and went to the Spanish national team hotel, although the team was off-site for a friendly against Peru in Puebla, Mexico.

Freddy’s Memorable Trip to Auburn

On the penultimate day before the start of the World Cup, Freddy ended up watching Argentina win against Iceland in Tuesday’s friendly match at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn. While Freddy saw Lionel Messi score a goal, he was more fascinated by the SEC experience.

USMNT star helps Freddy

When Freddy was looking for advice on where to go on his trip across the United States, U.S. Men’s National Team center back Chris Richards gave him a recommendation. Richards suggested Freddy stop at Milo’s Original Burger Shop, an Alabama-based chain.

Fiago in Chicago

Finn Agostinelli, also known as Fiago, a German soccer influencer, can’t get enough of Chicago, Illinois. Agostinelli started posting content in the United States on Friday, June 5, 2026, and for four days he enjoyed American culture, food, sports venues, landmarks, and much more.

Fiago’s food and friendly matches

He compared American hot dogs to German bratwursts, not seeming very impressed. However, when he visited the famous Chicago restaurant, Portillo’s, the treats blew him away. Since then, he has eaten twice more at Portillo’s.

Fiago also attended the U.S. team’s final warm-up friendly match against Germany at Chicago’s Soldier Field on Saturday.

As for landmarks, Fiago visited the Chicago River, Cloud Gate, aka “The Bean,” in Millennium Park, and the Rainforest Café, which closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I respect how proud Americans are of their country,” Fiago wrote in an article on X, depicting a large American flag at a Macy’s mall in Chicago.

“They do everything here,” he wrote in another post.

England fans find space and soda

Besides Freddy and Fiago from Germany, some English fans have also had their share of sightseeing visits to America. England fan Paul Gregory shared his experience at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The center features landmarks such as the Space Shuttle program and the Apollo Moon landings.

A classic purchase for any long road trip or even a long day, user X named “John” tried his very first “Big Gulp” soda from 7-Eleven. John described it as one of his favorite finds in America so far.

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