World Cup Fans Experience Texas BBQ and American Culture

WHO:

NPR - Rinta Goto expressed anguish over Texas Roadhouse not being in Japan, stating, "Why isn't Japan on the list?"

NPR - Kanna Matsuda described her Airbnb in Dallas as "a big house. I loved that."

NPR - George Elek, an England fan, mentioned that he and his friends were "wow[ed] by Kansas City, and the people, and the vibe."

NPR - Spanish soccer star Lamine Yamal made a pit stop at Walmart during his visit.

NPR - Kanna Matsuda expressed excitement about returning to Dallas, stating, "I'm excited to go back again to Dallas."

NPR - Rinta Goto, a 24-year-old soccer fan from Osaka, Japan.

NPR - Kanna Matsuda, another Japanese fan.

NPR - George Elek, an England fan and podcaster.

NPR - Blair McNally, a Scottish fan and sports content creator.

NPR - Victor Cha, president of geopolitics and foreign policy at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

NPR - Ron Krabill, director of the University of Washington Global Sport Lab.

WHAT:

NPR - Elek and his friends visited a popular dive bar and engaged in a debate over whether Kansas City or Texas barbecue is better.

NPR - Blair McNally noted that everything in America is "so much bigger, so much better," particularly highlighting the size of bagels.

NPR - Rinta Goto's social media post about Texas Roadhouse received over 200,000 views, where he described the bread as "insanely good" and the steak as "ridiculously delicious."

Sportskeeda - A Japanese fan's reaction to tasting Texas BBQ went viral during the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup.

NPR - Rinta Goto's social media post about Texas Roadhouse received over 200,000 views.

NPR - Elek and his friends visited Kansas City and tried burnt ends, ribs, cornbread, and mac and cheese.

Sportskeeda - A Japanese fan's reaction to tasting Texas BBQ went viral.

WHERE:

NY Post - The World Cup games at MetLife Stadium are bringing in roughly 1.2 million soccer fans from around the globe to NYC.

Daily Mail Sports - Kansas City is known as the world capital of barbecue, with more than 100 restaurants specializing in the area's signature dishes.

NPR - The World Cup is being held across 11 U.S. cities, as well as sites in Mexico and Canada.

NPR - Goto visited Dallas, Texas.

NPR - Matsuda stayed in Dallas and plans to return after watching games in Mexico.

NPR - Elek and his friends visited both Kansas and Missouri sides of the Kansas City metro area.

WHEN:

NPR - Matsuda plans to return to Dallas in a week after watching games in Mexico.

WHY:

NPR - Victor Cha stated that the tournament is providing an "unexpected windfall of people from around the world coming to the U.S. and seeing the real aspects of everyday America."

NPR - The tournament aims to build the soft power of the U.S. amid tense international relationships.

NPR - Fans expressed that their experiences with everyday Americans differ from the political climate.

HOW:

NY Post - Restaurant staff in NYC are forced to explain that American tipping means adding a 20% gratuity to the check.

NPR - Fans have marveled at the array of food options and huge portion sizes in America, with one fan noting, "It's so much bigger, so much better."

NPR - Fans are sharing their experiences on social media, highlighting American culture and food.

NPR - Elek and his friends explored both sides of the Kansas City metro area to compare barbecue styles.

Rinta Goto expressed her disappointment that Texas Roadhouse isn't available in Japan, asking, "Why isn't Japan on the list?" Meanwhile, George Elek, an England fan, shared his excitement about Kansas City, noting how he and his friends were "wow[ed] by the people and the vibe" while debating the merits of Kansas City versus Texas barbecue at a local dive bar. As the World Cup games at MetLife Stadium draw in around 1.2 million soccer fans from across the globe, restaurant staff in NYC are finding themselves explaining the American custom of tipping, which typically involves adding a 20% gratuity to the check.