Scroll through the fetid swamps of social media right now, and you are sure to encounter those who are screeching about how the USA has ruined the World Cup. The global soccer tournament kicks off tomorrow, but already the shrieks about how this country was the wrong choice for the tourney, and especially how President Trump is personally ruining the experience, have been growing.
The select examples have been the most intriguing. A referee from Somalia has been denied entry into this country due to having improper entry documents, as well as the state department finding he has connections to terror groups. He was returned to his home country, where he was treated as a hero and awarded a large cash settlement from a local tycoon. Contrast that with the U.S., where referees and umpires are regarded as disreputable members of society.
BREAKING: The Somali FIFA World Cup referee who was denied entry into the U.S. by CBP was flagged with “derogatory” information, including “association with suspected members of terror organizations”, making him inadmissible for entry into the U.S., a Trump admin official tells…
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) June 10, 2026
In another case, there was a team from Senegal recorded being frisked and inspected on the tarmac at an airport. The peals of “racism” were heard from numerous sources, even though they were receiving no different treatment from TSA than I received when I went to Dallas last month. (Apparently, cowboy boots throw off the scanners, who knew?) The "racist" reason they were on the tarmac and not in the terminal was that they were flying on a rather privileged chartered flight.
Yet, while the loud cranks are of course earning all of the attention, there is a wonderful tonic for all of this America-bashing. (Though seriously, gang, we can take it, especially when it is concerning a distaff subject such as soccer.) One account that is earning raves is a German soccer fan simply named Freddy. He and his cohorts are in the country for the tournament, and he is documenting his exploits. It is a grand experience seeing our nation through the eyes of a foreigner previously unfamiliar with American culture.
And Freddy is not visiting the gaudy stops like Disney, or the historical landmarks and parks; he is experiencing America, in a way familiar to most of us, and his amazement serves as a refresher for us on just how great it is to be where we are. Freddy and his friends — never appearing on camera — are driving through the nation and savoring many of the things we may take for granted.
Such as Waffle House.
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
He also came upon Bucc-ees, and you can almost hear the wonderment as he sees our sprawling offerings.
DUDE LMAO THIS IS A GAS STATION😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/YYFmWJiCQa
— Freddy🇩🇪 (@FreddyLA7) June 10, 2026
Dinner from Buc-ee’s at 1am😋 pic.twitter.com/1p0iZLfmOW
— Freddy🇩🇪 (@FreddyLA7) June 10, 2026
One thing I have frequently heard from Europeans over the years is how outgoing and friendly Americans can be. It is almost off-putting for those in other countries to see how we are gregarious with strangers. Then, Freddy and his crew got a first-hand dose of hospitality.
This is such a unique experience. We’re all wearing our Germany jerseys and so many people at the airport keep asking us about the World Cup.
— Freddy🇩🇪 (@FreddyLA7) June 5, 2026
There are already so many fans here in jerseys too, especially Scots. Some even wearing their full traditional dress. pic.twitter.com/K8E0vY8LxL
I love Americans. We were about to walk an hour to the stadium in the rain to save on an Uber, and the receptionist at the hotel we were parked in front of decided to drive us there.🙏 pic.twitter.com/ta9crNM0ok
— Freddy🇩🇪 (@FreddyLA7) June 9, 2026
Our country’s desire for options, and then even more options, with products, can be dismaying to others,
Lmao how am I supposed to choose from all of this? This is overwhelming me😭😭😭 https://t.co/PBMhyA5BLt pic.twitter.com/Rq3Jel7y3G
— Freddy🇩🇪 (@FreddyLA7) June 8, 2026
Wtf this thing is crazy pic.twitter.com/ntnMBwJvo9
— Freddy🇩🇪 (@FreddyLA7) June 7, 2026
We ARE a crazy nation, Fred. You should try Florida!
Just to cap it off, during one contest at Auburn's Jordan-Hare Stadium, he got to see what is a cool sight at many games here. Our national symbol was soaring over the crowd.
This is what should be the experience for many during the World Cup. Come here, immerse in our culture, revel in the offerings we have, and above all else, do what we Americans do – enjoy yourself in this great nation of ours.
There’s an eagle flying around the stadium pic.twitter.com/luC6ENq7oM
— Freddy🇩🇪 (@FreddyLA7) June 10, 2026
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