EUROPEAN WORLD CUP FANS ARE LOSING THEIR MINDS OVER TACO BELL, RANCH & UNLIMITED REFILLS
You’ve probably had Taco Bell and Waffle House and a good ‘ole 7-Eleven Big Gulp a million times in your life—that is, if you have taste and grew up in the United States. For people who fall into the latter camp, though, our most quintessential American foods are apparently thrilling novelties. The former group is simply a lost cause.
As international fans descend on the U.S. for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, they’re discovering a whole new way of life—one built around 30-ounce sodas, ranch dressing, and Crunchwrap Supremes. What many of us take for granted, international visitors treat as full-blown cultural landmarks. Across social media, travelers have been documenting their fascination with these American staples and marveling at portion sizes that seem to defy both physics and nutrition labels.
Without further ado, here are the foods, restaurants, and fast-food stops World Cup fans cannot stop raving about online:
Buc-ee’s
“The European mind cannot comprehend how intoxicatingly good these things are. Yes, I was the European mind,” Scotsman @shaunvlog_ wrote on X about Buc-ee’s Beaver Nuggets while documenting his World Cup trip around the U.S. “A place like this could ONLY exist in America and I LOVE it,” he added from in front of the famous roadside stop.
“A wild Korean explores Buc-ee’s,” another visiting FIFA fan wrote on the platform. “The Texas Cheesesteak Burrito is to die for.”
Even Americans are enjoying the whole timeline. “Thrilled to be alive for the Europeans discover Buc-ee’s timeline,” one person wrote. “My favorite thing about the World Cup this year is seeing all the Europeans experience American things like Buc-ee’s or condiments for the first time,” another added.
Ranch Dressing
Europeans are losing it over ranch so much, they’ll probably be smuggling bottles of Hidden Valley back home.
“Why did no one tell me ranch sauce is like crack? EUROPE WE NEED RANCH ASAP,” one Swedish fan wrote. In a follow-up, she added, “I think my trip just turned into — find the best ranch in America.”
Taco Bell
I totally agree with Freddy here: it is, in fact, the holy land!
Chicago-Style Classics
As a native Chicagoan, this one feels especially important to me. The Europeans have discovered our local cuisine—and they get the hype. “Some proper Chicago food bro they have a milkshake with cake in the cup it‘s ridiculous,” one German user posted about Portillo’s.
“Got a lot of DMs about my Portillo‘s experience so we waited about 30 minutes for our food, but the location itself is a highlight with so much cool old stuff and they had some interesting beers at the bar that made our waiting time amazing,” he added in a follow-up.
A self-proclaimed “huge fan of The Bear” also stopped by Mr. Beef in the Windy City for another local specialty: Italian beef.
And yes, visitors also made time for both tavern-style and deep-dish pizza.
Waffle House
Another favorite? Waffle House. Clearly, someone gave them good recommendations. “Just had our first Waffle House experience at 1am,” @FreddyLA7 wrote. “Great food, great prices, and friendly staff. 10/10, we will be coming back.” He apparently kept that promise with another visit later that same week.
Chili’s
Just wait until they discover the Triple Dipper.
Free Refills
They cannot believe the free refills and have been getting genuinely emotional about the tradition online. “I can refill this 1,000 times?” one European visitor asked in disbelief.
BBQ
Scotsman Shaun tried Carolina-style BBQ ribs for the first time and promptly declared that all other meat had been “ruined” for him.
Big Gulps
Look, we knew our portion sizes were a novelty. But the Europeans’ genuine wonder over the Big Gulp really confirms it.
