International visitors attending the FIFA World Cup across North America are sharing their candid impressions of the United States, with many noting the surprising friendliness of Americans, the immense scale of food portions, and the country's expansive geography.

Discussions on platforms like Reddit reveal a consistent theme of welcoming locals. One visitor noted, "so far, every American I’ve met has been incredibly friendly." This sentiment was echoed by others who found that people of color did not feel like outsiders in diverse areas such as California, leading to a feeling of acceptance. "As a foreigner, I truly don’t think I’ve ever felt so accepted anywhere else I’ve been so far," one user shared.

However, the size of American servings has been a frequent point of astonishment. "Nobody warned me that American portion sizes are actually a threat to your health," stated one individual who received a "medium coffee" that resembled a bucket in size. This observation was further supported by comments about "huge portions" and "insanely expensive" supermarket selections, particularly in New York.

Travelers also frequently commented on the vast distances within the U.S. "Everyone’s been friendly, but your distances are basically side quests," one person quipped. Another elaborated, contrasting European travel norms with American ones: "In Europe, 100 miles is far, and 100 years ago was yesterday. In North America, 100 miles is nearby, and 100 years ago is half the history of the country."

Beyond these recurring themes, visitors reported positive experiences with the food variety, with many noting an abundance of fast-food options beyond the common international chains. Despite the perceived high cost in some major cities, smaller towns in areas like the Midwest were described as exceeding expectations with "super welcoming locals" and "cheap diners."

Some travelers encountered minor logistical hurdles, such as visa delays, which were noted as a significant barrier for fans from African and Middle Eastern nations. While stadium infrastructure was generally praised, pre-game logistics and public transport in certain areas were areas identified for improvement.

Despite some challenges, the overall sentiment expressed by many World Cup tourists is positive, with the welcoming nature of the people and the unique cultural experiences outweighing the negatives. Americans themselves have responded to these shared experiences with a sense of pride and a reinforcement of their country's hospitality.