What World Cup visitors can teach us about America and civility

Americans spend a lot of time arguing about what's wrong with the country. Sometimes international visitors help remind us what's wonderful about it, and what we take for granted.

The 2026 World Cup is here. The United States is one of the host countries, and preliminary matches are scattered in cities across the country. I am not much of a soccer fan, but it's hard to escape the ubiquitous event.

Among the surprising delights of this World Cup are the videos of Europeans visiting America for the first time. These travelers share their reactions online while encountering American food, culture and sights. Some YouTubers are compiling the funniest reactions. Some of these compilations predate the World Cup but are now enjoying millions of views.