The 2026 FIFA World Cup has brought thousands of international soccer fans to the United States (and Mexico and Canada) to cheer on their favorite teams. And even if you’re not into sports, you’re probably feeling the hype. This quadrennial sporting event has become about more than just soccer — it brings people from all over the world together, allowing them to make new friends, learn about new cultures, and of course, try new foods.
American food has long been the subject of scrutiny online, but now with people from all over the world coming to the United States for World Cup matches, some American culinary gems are finally getting the spotlight they deserve. Non-Americans are taking to social media to document their experiences trying different American staples like Raising Cane’s, Chick-fil-A, and even discovering the magic of ranch dressing, and it’s quickly becoming one of my favorite things to watch on TikTok.
According to FIFA, more than 5 million people are expected to attend the 104 matches across the month-long tournament, which kicked off on June 11 in Mexico City. While obviously the World Cup matches are the main point, watching people from all over the world discover and bond over American food might be one of the most wholesome aspects of the entire tournament.
Here are some TikToks of international World Cup fans trying American foods that are sure to warm your heart — and maybe your stomach, too.
Raising Cane’s
The “Tartan Army” — the affectionate nickname for fans of Scotland’s national soccer team — have taken over Boston and are making sure to get their time and money’s worth while they’re here, as well as experiencing the beauty of fried chicken, Texas Toast, and Cane’s sauce. And you know what? It’s a great choice. I seriously can’t think of anything better than a Cane’s Box combo, and Scottish fan @erinoconnellxxx in Boston seems to feel the same way. “So crispy. It’s delish,” she says about the famed chicken strips in her June 14 video.
The Cheesecake Factory
I’m relieved to see that the universal love for The Cheesecake Factory’s brown bread transcends country borders. In the video, @robagreen says, “This is more exciting than Christmas Day for me,” and “that brown bread was the best bread I’ve ever eaten in my life.” In reference to the pizza-style chicken parmesan he ordered, Rob says, “Oh my days … that was one of the best things I’ve ever eaten in my life. My timbers have been shivered and my taste buds have been blessed.”
Texas Barbecue
Few things are more iconically American than messy, saucy, delicious barbecue, right? And what better place to try it than in Austin, Texas? “I’m in heaven,” @megan.carole says in her video from June 11, in which she tries ribs, brisket, and mac and cheese at la Barbecue in Austin. Her video says it all with the caption “no words needed.”
Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A has more than 3,000 restaurants across North America, and while the franchise does have locations in England and Northern Ireland, eating at one of America’s favorite fast food restaurants while in America is an experience you can’t pass up. @oliviabuzaglo says in her June 11 video, “[The Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich] is just so, so good.”
Ranch Dressing
Swedish TikToker @elsathoraa has been posting about her adventures in the U.S. and her newfound love of an American staple: ranch dressing (or, according to Elsa’s video, “ranch sauce”). I personally have never seen anyone drink it right from the sauce cup, but hey, I’m not one to judge.
Chipotle
Who doesn’t love a Chipotle bowl? Australian TikToker @georgia.murrayyyy’s eyes have been opened to this fan-favorite. “If we had Chipotle in Australia,” she says in her June 6 video, “I swear to God I would be there every single day.” And honestly, I really don’t blame her.
Waffle House
In my head, the most appropriate time to visit a Waffle House is after midnight on a random day of the week. But Swedish creator @sampev2 enjoyed a meal at this iconic restaurant in the bright of the day, and I truly respect him for that. “Who made these waffles? [They’re] the best!” He praises, with a plate full of 15 waffles in front of him and the staff he’s befriended just off to the side.
Whataburger
Whataburger, Texas’s favorite fast-food chain, is yet another classic American quick-service spot that many international visitors are excited to try. Japanese creator @toyacchifc is in Dallas for the World Cup and made sure to stop by. It looks like he enjoyed his experience, giving a few passionate thumbs-up throughout the video and clearing his whole tray.