Fans of Germany show their support during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E match between Ecuador and Germany at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 25, 2026, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (James Gill – Danehouse / Getty Images)
By Samuel Short July 8, 2026 at 8:00am
While the world flocked to the United States for the love of the sport, there was an unintended outcome in the country hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Fans everywhere discovered this is a great nation.
From one Japanese fan being in awe that restaurants give customers chips and salsa without asking, to the story of a German man who wept tears in having to depart, there’s no denying the United States leaves an indelible mark on all who visit.
That particular German is Sebastian Krauss. Fox News reported that he came over to support his home nation, disappointingly having to see them lose to Paraguay 4-3 in round 32.
Because of that game, Krauss found himself in Massachusetts, subsequently talking to WBTS and admitting his perception of the United States was completely false.
Krauss had to pause, wiping tears away with his jersey. “I’ve fallen in love with this country, and this was so emotional I even cried in the stadium.”
“To be honest, I was a bit scared or had the fear to travel to the United States,” he said.
“News about shootings and criminals and that the country’s not safe.”
The station then cut to footage of Krauss riding with a group of Bostonians who gave him a lift to his hotel one evening.
“Americans are not rude, Germans are not rude,” he said.
“If we are together, we can achieve great things.”
Our reputation has undeniably been tarnished by leftist politicians and media outlets, but they cannot conceal the truth from people who see greatness with their own eyes.
Krauss’ longing to stay here is a reminder of how truly blessed every American is to be born here.
We enjoy a degree of peace, prosperity, and freedom unrivaled throughout the world, both now and compared to any other time in history.
In Krauss’ country, you cannot even freely view media the state deems offensive.
June saw the release of “Citizen Vigilante,” a film about a former U.S. Army officer who relocates to Europe after an inheritance and goes on a vigilante spree against criminal immigrant populations and officials who protect them. German director Uwe Boll revealed that Germany refused to give the film a rating, effectively banning the project.
“The rating system refused to give us a rating, so now you can only watch it if you bring in a Blu-ray from Austria or Switzerland,” Boll said.
We have a freedom we often take for granted — but never forget, it is truly a blessing from almighty God to be an American.
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Sam Short is an Assistant Professor of History with Motlow State Community College in Smyrna, Tennessee. He holds a BA in History from Middle Tennessee State University and an MA in History from University College London. The views expressed in his articles are his own and do not reflect the views or opinions of Motlow State Community College.
