Republican leaders embrace viral World Cup fans they say are discovering the 'real America'

As foreign soccer fans descend on the United States ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, some visitors are going viral for documenting their enthusiasm for distinctly American experiences — from Waffle House and Buc-ee's to college football and Southern hospitality.

While political battles over immigration and travel policy continue to dominate discussion ahead of the World Cup, foreign fans are going viral for celebrating a very different side of America.

Videos celebrating iconic restaurants, sprawling highways, local traditions and everyday hospitality have racked up millions of views online and drawn reactions from political leaders who say they highlight America's enduring appeal.

The upbeat posts have not gone unnoticed in Washington.

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Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy was among the officials to weigh in, sharing one of several viral posts from German soccer fan FreddyLA7, whose enthusiastic dispatches from across the United States have become a social media sensation ahead of the World Cup.

In a post on X, Duffy pointed to Freddy's journey through Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama as an example of the uniquely American experiences drawing attention online.

"There's no better way to see our country than on a road trip," Duffy wrote. "Because to LOVE AMERICA you have to SEE AMERICA."

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He concluded the post by asking followers to suggest additional destinations for the German fan to visit as he continues his travels across the United States.

Freddy's posts have attracted millions of views for their enthusiastic portrayal of everyday American life, with the German fan praising everything from Waffle House and Taco Bell to Buc-ee's and Bass Pro Shops as he travels the country following the German national team.

After Freddy made stops across Alabama, Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., joined the conversation on X, highlighting the state's role in the German fan's increasingly viral American road trip.

After Freddy marveled at the atmosphere inside Auburn University's Jordan-Hare Stadium, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey invited him back for football season, writing: "Y'all ought to come back in the fall to see just how we do Saturdays in Alabama."

DeSantis similarly welcomed Freddy to Florida after the soccer fan posted footage from the Gulf Coast. The governor playfully corrected Freddy's description of the water as "the sea" before encouraging him to enjoy what he called some of the best beaches in the world.

As the United States prepares to welcome millions of visitors for the World Cup next year, Freddy's viral road trip has offered an early preview of the tournament's potential to showcase American culture far beyond the soccer pitch.