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German World Cup superfan Freddy has finally settled one of the biggest questions his followers have been asking since his cross-country American road trip: Where did he enjoy visiting and eating the most?
After weeks of documenting his journey across the United States ahead of the FIFA 2026 World Cup, the social media personality behind the popular X account @FreddyLA7 revealed that Tennessee, Alabama and Texas topped his list of favorite states. But when it came to food, one familiar fast-food chain stood above the rest.
"Because many people have been asking us about it: Our favorite states from the trip were Tennessee, Alabama, and Texas," Freddy wrote on X. "Our favorite town was Fairhope, Alabama, and our favorite food spot was Taco Bell."
The post quickly drew attention from fans who had followed Freddy's travel diary, which became one of the tournament's unexpected viral storylines as he shared his enthusiasm for everything from scenic small towns to roadside attractions and American fast food.
Freddy arrived in the United States before the World Cup and chronicled his travels across the Southeast, beginning in Georgia before making stops in Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas.
Along the way, he praised Atlanta's tree-lined streets, explored filming locations from Netflix's "Stranger Things", visited the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, rode an alpine coaster in Helen, Georgia, floated down the Chattahoochee River and climbed Brasstown Bald. He also became known for celebrating quintessential American chains, including Waffle House, Wendy's and Taco Bell, which he once jokingly called "the holy land."
As Freddy's audience grew, his journey also drew scrutiny. Some social media users questioned whether he had portrayed his U.S. travels accurately, pointing to older posts they said contradicted the impression that he was experiencing America for the first time.
Freddy temporarily deactivated his X account in June after online criticism intensified. When he returned, he said the increasingly toxic atmosphere prompted his break and clarified that he had visited New York and Philadelphia in 2022, but that this was his first trip to many of the destinations featured in his viral posts.
He said a "small group of very loud people" should not overshadow the many followers who enjoyed watching the journey, adding that supportive messages encouraged him to finish documenting the trip.
Freddy's endorsement also comes at an unusual moment for Taco Bell.
The chain recently removed recalled Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce from its restaurants after federal health officials linked lettuce supplied to some Taco Bell locations to the ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak investigation. Taco Bell said it took the action out of an abundance of caution and has emphasized that customers can safely eat at its restaurants.
The popular fast-food chain has since offered $1 lettuce-free menu options, including its Enchirito and Mexican Pizza.
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at [email protected] or on X @athompsonUSAT
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: World Cup superfan Freddy says this chain is his top US food spot
Continue reading...
After weeks of documenting his journey across the United States ahead of the FIFA 2026 World Cup, the social media personality behind the popular X account @FreddyLA7 revealed that Tennessee, Alabama and Texas topped his list of favorite states. But when it came to food, one familiar fast-food chain stood above the rest.
"Because many people have been asking us about it: Our favorite states from the trip were Tennessee, Alabama, and Texas," Freddy wrote on X. "Our favorite town was Fairhope, Alabama, and our favorite food spot was Taco Bell."
The post quickly drew attention from fans who had followed Freddy's travel diary, which became one of the tournament's unexpected viral storylines as he shared his enthusiasm for everything from scenic small towns to roadside attractions and American fast food.
Freddy's World Cup road trip became an online sensation
Freddy arrived in the United States before the World Cup and chronicled his travels across the Southeast, beginning in Georgia before making stops in Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas.
Along the way, he praised Atlanta's tree-lined streets, explored filming locations from Netflix's "Stranger Things", visited the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, rode an alpine coaster in Helen, Georgia, floated down the Chattahoochee River and climbed Brasstown Bald. He also became known for celebrating quintessential American chains, including Waffle House, Wendy's and Taco Bell, which he once jokingly called "the holy land."
As Freddy's audience grew, his journey also drew scrutiny. Some social media users questioned whether he had portrayed his U.S. travels accurately, pointing to older posts they said contradicted the impression that he was experiencing America for the first time.
Freddy returned after social media backlash
Freddy temporarily deactivated his X account in June after online criticism intensified. When he returned, he said the increasingly toxic atmosphere prompted his break and clarified that he had visited New York and Philadelphia in 2022, but that this was his first trip to many of the destinations featured in his viral posts.
He said a "small group of very loud people" should not overshadow the many followers who enjoyed watching the journey, adding that supportive messages encouraged him to finish documenting the trip.
Taco Bell mention comes during challenging summer for chain
Freddy's endorsement also comes at an unusual moment for Taco Bell.
The chain recently removed recalled Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce from its restaurants after federal health officials linked lettuce supplied to some Taco Bell locations to the ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak investigation. Taco Bell said it took the action out of an abundance of caution and has emphasized that customers can safely eat at its restaurants.
The popular fast-food chain has since offered $1 lettuce-free menu options, including its Enchirito and Mexican Pizza.
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at [email protected] or on X @athompsonUSAT
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: World Cup superfan Freddy says this chain is his top US food spot
Continue reading...
