The US that World Cup fans didn't expect to love

Key Points:

• During the Fifa World Cup, many international fans have been sharing viral videos expressing amazement and affection for everyday American culture, such as visits to Costco, Walmart, and unique roadside stores like Buc-ee's, highlighting a side of the US often overlooked in media.
• Traveling between host cities, some fans are embracing road trips that showcase the country's natural beauty, including iconic sites like Zion National Park, the Grand Canyon, and Louisiana swamps, revealing the vastness and diversity of American landscapes.
• Visitors have also been impressed by regional American cuisine, from barbecue styles in Kansas City to sugary breakfasts, with some fans emotionally connecting to these food experiences and even attempting to bring items like ranch dressing home.
• The World Cup has sparked notable displays of American hospitality, with locals offering recommendations, home-cooked meals, and warm welcomes to international visitors, exemplified by the enthusiastic reception of the Algerian national team in Lawrence, Kansas.
• These interactions and discoveries are fostering a renewed appreciation among Americans for their own culture and landscapes, as well as promoting a sense of openness and generosity toward global visitors during a time of heightened scrutiny over US travel policies.