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The World Cup gets under way this week in North America. Many host locations are in the United States. As a result, thousands of Europeans are getting a taste of the culture.
That includes American cuisine. Travelers have been posting food reviews after making the trek across the pond. It’s made for A+ social media content.
Europeans have taste tested everything from Buc-ee’s to BBQ and anything in between. It is entertainment in its purest form.
The World Cup brings visitors to the US.
There are 11 American cities hosting games with each featured in an NFL stadium. Contests will be played from coast to coast.
Depending on which team you’re following, the cuisine can differ greatly. California, for example, won’t have the same options as, say, Georgia. Texas has different things to offer than Washington.
Regardless of location, everything can be new to European visitors if they try. Many are getting outside their comfort zones to eat foods unique to the area.
Social media user Shaun, from Scotland, has been making his BBQ rounds. He’s tried ribs. He’s tried brisket. Shaun’s made it his mission to find the best barbeque in the US.
Apparently I have just started a war among my new American friends 😮💨🫡 https://t.co/bK1VhCyWAL
— Shaun 🏴🇺🇸 (@shaunvlog_) June 11, 2026
He’s made sure to hit a few areas. He unintentionally sparked an online war in the process. We take our BBQ seriously! (Carolina mustard is hands down the best).
Shaun’s vlog includes stops in Texas and North Carolina. He plans to try more. For now, Texas leads.
LOOK how I, as a Scottish guy in America for the World Cup, was welcomed to a Texas BBQ – okay sorry other BBQs but Texas takes the lead 🤩🏴🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/gSP6sZVxvK
— Shaun 🏴🇺🇸 (@shaunvlog_) June 11, 2026
Shaun also gave the mac n’ cheese a try while on the East Coast. He puts it near the top of his all-time list. The perfect side to a perfect meal!
His reviews of American cuisine were overwhelmingly positive. He is far from the only person documenting his food-based exploration.
Europeans try American food.
German soccer fan, Freddy, has been posting adventures from his stay in North Carolina over the last few days. Included are trips to Wendy’s, Waffle House, Taco Bell, and Chili’s.
Portion size has been a major talking point, as has food quality and taste.
there’s a German guy named Freddy here for the World Cup
as far as I can tell his meals on Monday were:
Waffle House at 1 AM
Wendy’s for lunch
Chili’s for dinner & NBA Finals Game 3little does he know he just earned his citizenship, that was the secret meal combo to unlock it pic.twitter.com/eiZC6mfETG
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) June 9, 2026
Self-proclaimed Swedish “foodie” Elsa recapped her visit to California, where the Swedish team was stationed ahead of the World Cup.
We went to Cioppino’s and tried their signature dish which is crab legs, clams, mussels, snapper, calamari, shrimp, all cooked in a red soup
Then headed to Ghirardelli Square and had some oysters and beer in the sun!
Amazing recommendations thank you all!! https://t.co/lYOcYSExMm pic.twitter.com/XLXAwea51E
— Elsa (@elsathora) June 11, 2026
Her vlog also includes stops in Indiana. She’s a big supporter of ranch dressing!
Why did no one tell me ranch sauce is like crack? EUROPE WE NEED RANCH ASAP https://t.co/YNtnPJopVZ pic.twitter.com/gN0iSjiKSe
— Elsa (@elsathora) June 9, 2026
There have been negatives for teams and fans travelling into the US. Some have revealed visa issues. Others have noted extreme weather conditions. Beer prices are sure to be a talking point.
These fans are overlooking those drawbacks. They’ve enjoyed their stays to this point. It’s provided an awesome leadup to the event.