Japanese visitor Rinta Goto, 24, traveled to Dallas to watch his national team play the Netherlands on 14/6. He shared that his most memorable experience wasn't just on the field, but also enjoying unlimited free soda at McDonald's, visiting enormous Starbucks stores, and being amazed by the countless snacks available at Walmart supermarkets.

Goto's social media post, praising the bread and steak at a local restaurant, garnered over 200,000 views. Upon learning that the restaurant chain has many international branches, he expressed regret that Japan was not on the list.

International visitors enjoy American cuisine while attending the World Cup. Video: Instagram/The England Pod.

Goto is one of thousands of fans sharing their US travel experiences on social media. A common theme in these posts is astonishment at the diverse menus, huge portion sizes, and a lifestyle that locals often take for granted.

"Everything in the US is huge. It's 10 times bigger than what we see in Europe. Everything overwhelmed me, from food sizes to skyscrapers," remarked Blair McNally, a Scottish sports blogger. He was particularly impressed by the size of the bagels.

Amidst current US tensions with many overseas allies, the appreciation for American culture by international visitors offers a refreshing perspective. Experts in global sports and politics view this as a core objective of the tournament: to rebuild US soft power through appealing images that attract tourists.

"At a time of so much criticism and instability for the US, our country receiving a large number of people from all over the world to witness the real aspects of daily life is an unexpected benefit," stated Victor Cha, chair in geopolitics and foreign policy at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

This unexpected benefit comes as US immigration policies are still heavily impacting the tournament, with at least one referee and one coaching staff member being denied entry. Many fans have complained about the difficult visa application process.

Japanese visitor Goto was fascinated by the bread at Texas Roadhouse while in the US for the World Cup. Photo: Texas Roadhouse.

The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada, expects to attract over 5 million international visitors. The event offers fans a chance to explore less bustling areas not typically on the tourist map, such as Kansas City, Missouri.

British fan George Elek and two friends tried burnt ends, ribs, and cornbread at a gas station restaurant and visited casual bars in Kansas.

"I truly didn't expect the people and atmosphere here to be so interesting," Elek said. The group plans to return to Kansas to further explore its cuisine after flying to Dallas for football matches.

Japanese visitors take souvenir photos before a World Cup match in the US. Photo: X.

Before arriving in the US, Elek and his friends were skeptical about the tournament's organization due to negative opinions they had read. However, after their actual experience, he stated there was only one conclusion: "American people are truly kind; they are incredibly welcoming and hospitable to us."

Similarly, Japanese visitor Kanna Matsuda expressed satisfaction with the spacious living arrangements in an Airbnb rental in Dallas.

"I plan to return to this city in one week, after finishing my trip to watch matches at the venues in Mexico," she said.

By Minh (According to NPR)