Thousands of international soccer fans visiting the US for the World Cup have been sharing their surprising discoveries of American culture on social media, from the abundance of food options to the massive size of stores like Walmart and Buc-ee’s.
Japanese tourist Rinta Goto, who attended the Netherlands and Japan game in Dallas, was particularly impressed by the “insanely good” bread and “ridiculously delicious” steak at Texas Roadhouse, a restaurant chain he had never heard of before. His social media post about the experience received over 200,000 views.
Discovering Everyday America
Goto’s experience is not unique, as many international fans have been marveling at the quirks of American life, including yellow school buses, large portion sizes, and the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders. Even Spanish soccer star Lamine Yamal made a pit stop at Walmart, and fans have been raving about Buc-ee’s, a popular convenience store chain.
Experts say that the World Cup has provided an unexpected opportunity for the US to showcase its culture and build “soft power” with international visitors. According to Victor Cha, president of geopolitics and foreign policy at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the tournament has allowed people from around the world to see the “real aspects of everyday America” and experience the country’s hospitality.
A Newfound Appreciation
Despite some initial skepticism about the authenticity of these accounts, it’s clear that many international fans have developed a newfound appreciation for American culture. Kanna Matsuda, a Japanese fan, was pleasantly surprised by her huge Airbnb in Dallas and plans to return to the city after watching games in Mexico.
England fan George Elek and his friends, who visited Kansas City for just two days, were also won over by the city’s charm, trying local barbecue and visiting popular dive bars. The World Cup has meant that international fans are seeing cities not typically on the average tourist’s bucket list, and discovering hidden gems like Kansas City and Dallas.
The tournament’s impact extends beyond the sports themselves, as it has provided a unique opportunity for cultural exchange and understanding. As the World Cup continues, it will be interesting to see how these international visitors’ experiences shape their perceptions of America and its people, and what broader significance this may hold for the country’s global reputation.
