Meet Freddy, the German tourist and soccer football fan who literally became an overnight social media sensation as he headed to the United States for six weeks of World Cup bliss. While we don't know for sure that his name is Freddy – my German husband's middle name is Frederick, so I suspect it is – we know with absolute certainty that he loves soccer and is falling in love with the U.S. one mile and culinary delight at a time.
Freddy's adventure started in Atlanta just a few days ago, and he first popped into my X timeline on Monday with a video he took from a car while passing through Gainesville, Georgia; he marveled at the size and architecture as he passed house after house built in a classic old Southern style, writing, "The houses are insane wow."
Yeah, I thought, they are. Then I moved along to other things.
It was Freddy's visit to a Waffle House that really started to catch the attention of X users, including myself. Who doesn't love seeing a newbie discover Waffle House? Freddy, who has yet to show his face, and his group seem to have greatly enjoyed the experience.
Just had our first Waffle House experience at 1am. Great food, great prices, and friendly staff. 10/10, we will be coming back.😋 pic.twitter.com/QHgftpqfoX
— Freddy🇩🇪 (@FreddyLA7) June 8, 2026
That post has garnered over six million views so far, so it's clear that seeing the Deep South through the eyes of a young man in search of soccer and adventure resonates. Judging from the comments, Americans are delighted to see a European come to our country and appreciate all it has to offer and not trash it like some of his – and, sadly, our own – countrymen might do.
Freddy has been open to suggestions on what to do as he and his crew take the scenic route to their first World Cup match in Auburn, Alabama; so far, the have visited a German village in north Georgia, ridden a mountain coaster, tubed down the Chattahochee River, and climbed to the top of Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Along the way, they've partaken of Taco Bell, Wendy's – where they were clearly bedazzled/bemused by the vast array of soft drinks available – and Chili's.
SEE ALSO: Iran Wanted Its Officials at the World Cup. Trump Said No.
Let's face it, it's a beautiful thing to watch visitors from other countries discover and actually appreciate our country and all it has to offer. We've endured too many years of hearing leftists trash the U.S. – and watching too many of them physically try to burn it to the ground – that watching a visitor experiencing its many charms is a welcome change.
Much like parents rediscovering the joys of Christmas when they see it through their childrens' eyes and appreciate once again the magic that may have faded away over the years, we Americans clearly love seeing others appreciate what we love about our country. Yes, an abundance of food and entertainment choices, but also a patriotism that's always on display, but especially so right now as we prepare to celebrate our 250th birthday.
One of Freddy's countrymen, who's also in the U.S. for the World Cup, noticed that very thing while visiting Chicago.
Macy’s in Chicago. To be honest with you I only went in there because I desperately had to pee during my 4h walk but wow that’s giant flag 😂🇺🇸
— 𝗙𝗜𝗔𝗚𝗢 🇩🇪 (@fiago7) June 9, 2026
I respect how proud Americans are of their country, unimaginable back home in Germany. pic.twitter.com/eWotBDDo2C
And it's not just the Germans who are marveling at their World Cup experience – John from the U.K. has just discovered 7-11 and Big Gulps.
Not gonna lie, Big Gulps from 7/11 are easily one of my favourite things I’ve discovered in America so far 😂 pic.twitter.com/3Tsk20Rg2U
— John 🏴 (@BRFCJohn) June 8, 2026
"Elsa" from Sweden is now putting ranch on everything.
Why did no one tell me ranch sauce is like crack? EUROPE WE NEED RANCH ASAP https://t.co/YNtnPJopVZ pic.twitter.com/gN0iSjiKSe
— Elsa (@elsathora) June 9, 2026
Americans may not be the biggest soccer fans in the world, but we're definitely fans of how much our soccer-loving visitors are appreciating our country. Welcoming those visitors may turn out to be the most memorable part of the 2026 World Cup experience for many of us.
Oh, and Freddy hasn't hit Buc'ees yet, but it's surely only a matter of time.
