World Cup fans in US amazed by giant portions and free refills: 'Even the Coke is big'
BBC speaks to international football fans at the World Cup in the US, who share their cultural surprises from oversized everything to better-tasting fast food and free extras.
The FIFA World Cup is bringing not only football but also a wave of international fans eager to explore American culture. In interviews with the BBC, fans described their fascination with the sheer scale of things in the United States.
Moroccan fan Ayoub Baghdad, fresh off the plane, was stunned: "Everything is big, even the Coke is big." He noted that roads, trucks, and buildings are much larger than in Morocco. Social media is flooded with videos of fans trying American staples like Waffle House, ranch dressing, and giant supermarkets.
Shaun, a Scottish vlogger, visited a Buc-ee's—a massive convenience store and gas station—and said: "A place like this could ONLY exist in America and I LOVE it." Food also impressed visitors. Ire Balogun from Oxford said American food is "significantly better than in England," including fast food with more flavor. Portuguese graduate students from Madrid have been sampling chains like Chipotle and Shake Shack, calling it part of the American movie experience.
Many fans were surprised by free chips and salsa at Hispanic restaurants and free refills. Christian Boateng from Ghana (living in England) was amazed by portion sizes: "We couldn't finish everything." He also noted the absence of sales tax in listed prices, which is unusual for Britons.
Some fans are venturing beyond host cities to the US South for authentic barbecue and seafood boils. Tomás Soares and his Portuguese group plan to visit Georgia, Florida, and the Carolinas.
English fans Jason Barnes and Harry Beckley accidentally found themselves amid celebrations for the New York Knicks' first NBA title in 53 years. "It's the craziest celebration I have ever seen," Barnes said, adding he might start following basketball.
Despite higher costs compared to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Moroccan fan Baghdad said it's worth it: "You can make your own budget to watch maybe one game or two and have the experience for your whole life."
