local
Visiting soccer fans in metro Atlanta share their American cultural experiences
By Joshua Skinner at Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News
· June 24, 2026
· 2 min read
COBB COUNTY, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Visiting soccer fans from around the world are getting a taste of American culture while in metro Atlanta for World Cup matches, and some say the experience has been memorable — and sometimes, literally, hard on the stomach.The Queen’s Pantry owner, Samanth...
Key takeaway The Queen’s Pantry owner, Samantha Garmon, said she has been dealing with what she called fallout from a European influx during the World Cup, including pranks tied to long-running rivalries.
Why this matters in The Atlanta
The influx of international soccer fans in metro Atlanta for the World Cup has brought a unique set of cultural exchanges to the area. As these visitors explore the city, they are not only attending matches but also experiencing the local food scene, which has been a mixed bag for some. The large portion sizes and fried foods have been a shock to some visitors' systems, while others are eager to try iconic American restaurants like Raisin' Cane's and Red Lobster. The FIFA Fan Festival in Centennial Olympic Park has been a major draw, with organizers reporting high attendance numbers. As the tournament continues, it will be interesting to see how the city's hospitality industry responds to the demands of these international visitors, and whether the curated experience of the World Cup will leave a lasting impression on their perception of Atlanta and the United States.
About this story
Original reporting by Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News . The Atlanta surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: local ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? COBB COUNTY, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Visiting soccer fans from around the world are getting a taste of American culture while in metro Atlanta for World Cup matches, and some say the experience has been memorable — and sometimes, literally, hard on the stomach.The Queen’s Pantry owner, Samanth...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News and curated for The Atlanta readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Joshua Skinner at Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News. To learn more about how The Atlanta selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Atlanta, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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