World Cup 2026 tourists are obsessed with American fast food and Texas BBQ: Here’s what they’re eating

Global Fans Are Discovering the Flavors of North America

World Cup fans from around the globe have traveled far and wide to cheer for their teams, but many are also making a beeline for the local cuisine. From greasy burgers to mouthwatering barbecue, international visitors are raving about the food they’ve encountered in North America.

Jack Goodwin, a soccer enthusiast from London, shared his thoughts on the American food he’s tried in cities like Dallas, Boston, New York, and Atlanta. “It’s greasy, it’s disgusting, but it’s absolutely glorious,” he said. He also noted that the portions are larger than what he’s used to, adding, “I can understand the obesity here. The food is fantastic.”

Exploring Fast Food and Local Favorites

International visitors are eager to try both popular fast-food chains and unique local spots. Many are making an effort to sample regional specialties or chains that aren’t available in their home countries. For example, In-N-Out Burger and Buc-ee’s convenience stores have become must-visit stops for some fans.

Erling Haaland, a striker for Norway’s World Cup team, posted a photo on X of himself outside Katz’s Delicatessen in New York. Meanwhile, Harrison Murphy, who was traveling from London with his brother, had breakfast at a Chick-fil-A in Atlanta. “Have you had Chick-fil-A? It was fantastic and so cheap. The sauces are free! It was remarkable,” Murphy said.

A Taste of Home and New Experiences

While some fans are exploring new flavors, others are looking for a taste of home. Texas beer distributor Andrews Distributing welcomed a bus full of Dutch fans to its Dallas warehouse for Heinekens and dancing. Host city restaurants are also excited to introduce new customers to their signature dishes.

From Cuban spots in Miami to barbecue joints in Kansas City and taco trucks in Mexico City, restaurant owners are thrilled by the influx of international visitors. Paul Barker, founder of Pauli’s in Boston, described the experience as “incredible.” Fans from Scotland, Brazil, England, and other countries have been lining up for his famous lobster rolls.

Embracing the World Cup Spirit

Some chains are taking advantage of the World Cup buzz. Waffle House, known for its all-day breakfast, opened a pop-up shop in downtown Atlanta to sell branded soccer balls, jerseys, and patriotic gear. The chain expressed gratitude for the enthusiasm shown by visiting fans.

Whataburger, a Texas-based chain with 1,100 locations, found itself in the spotlight after fans from Japan and elsewhere posted about their visits online. “The attention has been completely organic and honestly pretty entertaining,” said Whataburger President and CEO Debbie Stroud.

Barbecue on the Menu for International Visitors

For many foreign foodies, eating barbecue is a top priority. Terry Black’s Barbecue, a small Texas chain, anticipated that authentic barbecue would be on many fans’ must-try lists. The chain started sourcing extra meat more than a month ago for its locations in Dallas and Fort Worth, which are near the stadiums where World Cup matches are held.

Terry Black’s takes four days to season and prepare its beef brisket, which takes 12 hours to barbecue. The chain also smokes turkey, pork, and sausages on its pits, which run 24 hours a day. Darien Kapture, the chain’s senior vice president of food and beverage operations, noted that the influx of World Cup fans has required extra planning.

A Delicious Surprise

The excitement has been palpable, including the night Argentina supporters packed Terry Black’s Dallas location to celebrate the team’s victory over Austria. “They were hooting and hollering and praising the brisket,” Kapture said.

Goodwin, who said he “blew his mortgage” on a U.S. World Cup tour with his dad, called Terry Black’s barbecue “the most gorgeous food ever.” “The best food we’ve had here is in Dallas. Texas barbecue. Unbelievable.”

Not All Reviews Are Positive

Not every review has been positive. Some fans have complained about the high price of food in World Cup stadiums. A British fan told the BBC that the breakfast tea he bought from Dunkin’ was “not great.” However, the overall sentiment has been largely positive.

So many World Cup visitors expressed love for ranch dressing that the Transportation Security Administration issued a light-hearted reminder that tourists should pack bottles of dressing in their checked bags.