The 2026 FIFA World Cup has brought supporters from around the globe to the United States, and beyond just watching soccer, many are also taking the opportunity to experience American culture.
That was certainly the case in Dallas, where Japanese fans had plenty to celebrate after their team’s dramatic 2-2 draw against the Netherlands. After enjoying their team’s late equalizer, many supporters were seen embracing Texas’ famous food scene during their stay.
Japanese Fans Fall in Love With Texas During 2026 FIFA World Cup Visit
In a video shared by DallasTexasTV on X, Japanese supporters were asked what they had enjoyed most since arriving in Dallas for the FIFA World Cup. The answer was on the tip of their tongues.
“Steak, hamburger, and Caesar salad. So good!” one fan said.
Another pointed to Texas barbecue, describing it as “very nice,” while others highlighted the state’s famous steak culture and even the Mexican food they had sampled during their visit.
Japan fans on what they’ve eaten so far in Dallas
Steak, BBQ, Mexican food “so good” pic.twitter.com/kxShIW8RJ5
— Dallas Texas TV (@DallasTexasTV) June 15, 2026
“Beer and barbecue, yeah, very delicious,” another fan said, with a huge smile. “I’m expecting a lot of big food like barbecues with burgers and all things in Texas. So I’m happy to eat everything.”
Texas has long been known for its barbecue traditions and steakhouse culture, and it appears many visiting supporters, particularly the Japanese, have been eager to dive right in.
They didn’t stop with just food. One Japanese supporter was also seen riding a mechanical bull while wearing a Japan jersey. It quickly became a fitting snapshot of the World Cup experience in America, with visiting fans immersing themselves in local traditions.
Japan fans love Texas
Incredible energy pic.twitter.com/FdoryLcBHL
— Dallas Texas TV (@DallasTexasTV) June 15, 2026
Many fans — including Americans — are also enjoying the sight of Japanese supporters fully embracing Texas culture.
“We love Japanese fans!” one person wrote.
Another praised the cultural crossover, commenting: “Based. Japanese Samurai culture meets Texas Cowboy culture.”
It has, in a way, been refreshing watching fans experience the United States firsthand.
“People from around the world seeing the USA through their own eyes instead of through the internet/media has been an absolute delight to see,” another fan wrote.
“They’re gonna have a wicked hangover Monday morning,” one joked.
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While another added: “I bet they left the bar cleaner than when they came in?” — a reference to Japanese supporters being widely admired across the soccer world for routinely helping clean stadiums after matches. In fact, NFL quarterback Jameis Winston joined Japanese fans after their World Cup opener to pick up trash at the stadium.
The reason Japan fans clean the stadium after each game. Respect. 🤝🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/o9qJUOLefY
— FIFA (@FIFAcom) June 15, 2026
Overall, it has been a wholesome start to the World Cup for Japan’s traveling fans, who have won plenty of admirers off the pitch.
The Japanese supporters may have to say goodbye to Texas temporarily, however. Japan’s next match is against Tunisia at Monterrey Stadium in Mexico on June 21 before they return to Dallas for a highly anticipated Group F clash against Sweden on June 25.
