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The 2026 FIFA World Cup will introduce fans from around the world to the sights and sounds that the USA, Canada and Mexico have to offer. As 48 fan bases prepare to watch their countries compete for a World Cup trophy, the bonus of a lot of football matches is being immersed 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 have taken social media by storm with reactions to places they’ve stopped along the way. As England prepare for their opening game on June 17, England fans are making their discoveries in Florida and a local convenience store.
Freddy’s find
Germany meets one of the South’s leading breakfast places
It’s a chain breakfast joint—known for impeccable Southern charm and waffles—that meets a German man named Freddy, who ventures south ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and encounters some of America’s spectacles that aren’t native to Europe.
One of the best parts about Freddy’s trip to Waffle House in Georgia is that he didn’t even go during the traditional breakfast hours when he sat down at 1 and chose hash browns instead of waffles.
Pit stop at “holy land” fast food restaurant
One of America’s leading fast food chains just got a fan from Europe – Freddy made a pit stop at Taco Bell while visiting Atlanta. His X post was captioned “The Holy Land” with a photo of the restaurant and his order, which includes several items like chips and nacho cheese and even their iconic Baja Blast drink.
Based on Freddy’s caption, which indicates a large amount of praise for a short and sweet caption, it 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 paid a visit to Wendy’s. Freddy and friends ordered several menu items, such as burgers, crispy chicken sandwiches, and even cheese fries.
In addition, he encountered his first ever soda machine, offering different options, from strawberry Sprite to vanilla Coca-Cola. Freddy went to X to share his conflict over which flavor of Sprite to share with his meal.
Freddy’s last stop before Houston: Where will he stop?
He’s been to a Waffle House, Walmart, Taco Bell, and Wendy’s, but with a few more stops before he officially arrives in Houston, Freddy asked the Internet where he should stop. Here were some of his most suggested places:
1. Buccee’s gas station:
The gas station that has up to 120 gas pumps and iconic food selections, Buccee’s is a regular stop for travelers looking for a stop when driving the southern highways. The gas station has unique food items like fudge made in-house, Texas-themed merchandise and even its own mascot.
2. Tiger Stadium, LSU
While Freddy will visit Jordan-Hare Stadium to watch the Argentina vs. Algeria friendly in Auburn, Tiger Stadium reigns as one of college soccer’s most iconic stadiums due to its size and atmosphere.
3. Bourbon Street, New Orleans
Known as one of the ultimate tourist spots in all of Louisiana, let alone the South, Bourbon Street offers incredible and famous food options like beignets at Café Du Monde, pearl necklaces thrown from Balcony’s and its jazz scene across the street.
Freddy’s takes on Tennessee
Freddy arrived in Tennessee on Monday and took in a nearby lake before settling in Chattanooga for the night. He watched Game 3 of the NBA Finals from a local chili and visited the Spanish national team hotel, despite the team being away for a friendly with 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’s win over Iceland in Tuesday’s friendly at Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium. While Freddy watched Lionel Messi score a goal, he was more captivated by the SEC experience.
USMNT Star helps Freddy
When Freddy sought advice on where to go during his trip through the United States, US Men’s National Team center back Chris Richards gave him a recommendation. Richards suggested that Freddy stop at Milo’s Original Burger Shop, a chain based in Alabama.
Fiago in Chicago
Finn Agostinelli, aka Fiago, a soccer influencer from Germany, can’t get enough of Chicago, Illinois. Agostinelli began posting stateside content on Friday, June 5, 2026, and over four days he enjoyed American culture, food, sports venues, landmarks and more.
Fiago’s food and friendly matches
He compared American hot dogs to German bratwursts, and didn’t seem too impressed. But when he visited Chicago’s famous restaurant, Portillo’s, the lick blew him away. He has since eaten at Portillo’s two more times.
Fiago also participated in Team USA’s final tune-up friendly against Germany at Chicago’s Soldier Field on Saturday.
As for landmarks, Fiago checked out the Chicago River, Cloud Gate, also known as “The Bean,” in Millennium Park and the Rainforest Café, which shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I respect how proud Americans are of their country,” Fiago wrote in a post on X, depicting a large American flag at a Macy’s mall in Chicago.
“They do everything right here,” he wrote in another post.
English fans find space and soft drinks
Besides Freddy and Fiago from Germany, some English fans also had their share of sightseeing in America. English fan Paul Gregory shared his experience at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The center features monuments such as the space shuttle program and the Apollo moon landings.
A classic buy for any long trip or even a long day, an X user named “John” tried his first ever ‘Big Gulp’ soda from 7-Eleven. John described it as one of his favorite finds in America so far.
