OPINION

Ignore All of the World Cup Meltdowns; This German Road Trip Account Marveling at America Is Glorious

Brad Slager
Brad Slager  |  Jun 10, 2026
The opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Townhall.com.

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.

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.

He also came upon Bucc-ees, and you can almost hear the wonderment as he sees our sprawling offerings.

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.

Our country’s desire for options, and then even more options, with products, can be dismaying to others,

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.