Mixed Feelings About The World Cup In America
I & I Editorial Board
June 19, 2026
It’s heartening to see foreign soccer fans, especially the Europeans, marvel at their U.S. discoveries. They’ve been awed by Buc-ee’s, Waffle House, and Bass Pro Shops, the best examples of Americana. But what we’re seeing also makes us wonder how long America will still be America.
“Soccer fans like Freddy from Germany are embracing U.S. culture as they crisscross the country — and going viral,” says Danielle Shapiro of the Manhattan Institute.
“Thousands of Europeans are seeing more of America this summer than many New York Times staffers ever will,” tweets Jimmy G.
Germans and Scots are singing “American Pie” while the English sing “Sweet Caroline” at a … Texas rodeo.
Mashable tells us visitors are “posting wide-eyed reactions to the parts of American life locals usually move through without thinking twice.”
“The verdict is in,” reports Fox News. “Europeans are obsessed with rural America during 2026 World Cup stay.”
It must be shocking for the visitors who have relied on the American legacy media to form their opinions to find that the U.S. is mighty diverse and much more than Manhattan, Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco and other elitist Democrat-dominated burgs. Our heartland, that sneered-at flyover country, is vibrant, rich in culture, ever welcoming, overflowing with enterprise.
While the foreigners’ instant affection of uniquely American customs and attractions is gratifying, we still have some uneasiness. The summer soccer “mania” sweeping through the country — “everyone’s talking about the World Cup” – feels as if it might inspire a wave of “we should be more like Europe” propositions that are frequently voiced, especially from the political left.
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