Marking the American Revolution of ‘26

It’s a fascinating coincidence that on the eve of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, hosting of World Cup Soccer by the United States appears to have touched off a second American Revolution of sorts. This time, however, it’s not about winning a war for independence from a foreign power, but about winning a major victory in the battle for world public opinion with regard to America and Americans. 
Back then it was about guns, bullets and bayonets. But this time around the weapons include steakhouses, travel plazas, grocery stores and even consistent and abundant air conditioning in every location from motel rooms to giant sports stadiums. (Something we take for granted here.) 
Oh, and the fuel for this international public relations juggernaut? Ranch dressing. (Our international guests are reportedly taking it home by the barrelful!)
What am I talking about? Well, a quick check of just a few of the thousands of viral videos produced by soccer fans from around the world absolutely raving about their American experience, will tell the tale. X (Twitter) has been flooded with them for the past couple of weeks and it’s a great place to start!
I encourage readers to go ahead and watch them, but to save you some time I’ll share here part of the excellent summary put together by Selene Mariposa on X:
“The World Cup has turned America into a discovery channel for the rest of the world. And they are not handling it well. In the best possible way. 
Here is what they are discovering: Free public restrooms. Europeans pay every time. Free water at every restaurant. Just appears. Free refills. Coffee. Sodas. Iced tea. Unlimited. Free chips and salsa before you even order. Free warm bread with dinner. Ice in drinks like civilized people. Air conditioning everywhere. Not a moral debate. A fact. Parking lots attached to the actual place you are going. Drive throughs where the food comes to the car while you sit in it. Ranch dressing by the gallon. Tex-Mex that cannot be explained, only experienced. Dental care that actually works. Buccee’s. There are no words for Buccee’s. 
Then they found the grocery stores. Five of them within one mile. Each one the size of an aircraft hangar. Burgers. Steaks. Brisket. Ribs. Pulled pork. Lamb. Veal. Every cut of every animal ever domesticated by human civilization available in one refrigerated aisle at 10 in the morning on a Tuesday. The Germans stood in the meat section for 45 minutes. In silence. Processing.”
And it went on, but you get the picture. Visitors from Europe and beyond are stunned, not only by America’s freedom and abundance, the size and scale of everything from highways to panoramic vistas, but also by the open friendliness and industry of her people. 
It’s a fascinating spectacle to behold, but one might ask, why now? Why this event? 
After all, multiple thousands of people from around the world travel to the U.S. every year, so what’s making the difference in 2026? 
Well, it may have something to do with the sheer numbers coming in. Depending on who you ask, estimates range from 1.2 million to 10 million visitors who will have traveled to the U.S. for the event by the time it concludes later this month. 
However, it may also be because many of these visitors are being exposed to real America for the first time. As some have pointed out, instead of spending time in New York City or on the coasts, these visitors are staying in heartland cities like Dallas and Kansas City, where they are exposed to everyday Americans and get to experience the freedom, breathing room and abundance of our nation in a new way. 
Many fans have said the tournament has altered their view of the United States and not a few have said they have mixed feelings about going home and leaving it all behind. While visitors expected an efficient sporting event, many say they did not expect such enthusiastic local support or the country’s regional variety. 
At any rate, the combination of packed stadiums, welcoming host cities and uniquely American traditions — from tailgates to barbecue — has become almost as memorable as the soccer itself and has changed the perceptions of thousands from around the world. And all we can say to that is “Go Team America!” 
RON BURTZ can be reached at newsregister@hamilton.net