The 2026 FIFA World Cup is bringing more than just soccer fans to the United States.
Videos by FanBuzz
With matches being played across the country, international visitors are getting a firsthand look at American culture — and in many cases, they're finding themselves fascinated by things locals often take for granted.
From late-night diners to massive gas stations, tourists have been documenting their experiences on social media, with several food stops emerging as unlikely stars of their American road trips.
Here are four places and foods that seem to be leaving the biggest impression, as relayed by Fox News:
1. Waffle House
For many Americans, Waffle House is simply a reliable place to grab breakfast any time of day.
For German traveler FreddyLA7, it was something else entirely.
The social media personality, who has more than 500,000 followers, shared photos from a 1 a.m. visit and called the experience a perfect 10 out of 10.
"Great food, great prices and friendly staff," he wrote.
It's easy to see why visitors are intrigued. The iconic Southern chain offers an experience that's uniquely American, combining around-the-clock service, comfort food and a welcoming atmosphere that can be difficult to find anywhere else.
【W杯旅行🇲🇽🇺🇸 9日目④】
テキサスで最後の晩御飯🍴
明日の朝出発します。ここのパンが人生で一番美味しくてまた来てしまった😂もうパンだけでもいいから日本で販売してほしい(笑)
📍Texas Roadhouse@texasroadhouse https://t.co/mzHSRuXpXx pic.twitter.com/qWSaNmIXXO
— グルメなクレ(旧:にわかなクレ) (@cule_1125) June 15, 2026
2. Buc-ee's
Few things have generated more stunned reactions from foreign visitors than Buc-ee's.
The Texas-born travel center has become famous for its enormous stores, endless snack selections and spotless restrooms, and many tourists simply can't believe it's technically a gas station.
One viral post showed a visitor staring in disbelief at the massive facility before joking, "Dude, this is a gas station?"
For travelers accustomed to small roadside stops, Buc-ee's often feels more like a destination than a place to fill up the tank.
3. In-N-Out Burger
A video showing a young Norwegian visitor trying In-N-Out Burger has attracted hundreds of thousands of views online.
The clip captured the boy ordering his meal before enthusiastically digging into the burger, creating one of the most wholesome World Cup-related viral moments so far.
While debates over the nation's best burger chain never seem to end, In-N-Out continues to win over first-time visitors with its simple menu and fresh ingredients.
4. Biscuits And Gravy
Not every American food makes a great first impression.
One Japanese traveler admitted he was initially horrified by a plate of biscuits and gravy, comparing its appearance to a construction site after a rainstorm.
Then he tasted it.
The visitor later posted a lengthy apology to the Southern breakfast staple, praising the rich gravy and fluffy biscuits while admitting he had completely misjudged the dish.
His review quickly resonated online, with many Americans celebrating another international convert to one of the South's most beloved comfort foods.
More Than Just Food
The meals may be grabbing headlines, but many visitors say the biggest surprise has been the people.
Across the South and other parts of the country, tourists have shared stories of hotel workers, restaurant owners and everyday locals going out of their way to help complete strangers.
For many World Cup visitors, the tournament has become more than a sporting event. It's also an unexpected introduction to American hospitality, comfort food and the kind of roadside experiences that rarely make it into travel brochures.
And judging by the reactions online, plenty of tourists are leaving with full stomachs and a much different view of America than the one they expected.
