One Swedish World Cup fan is going viral for his enthusiastic remarks about a Texas gas station staple, where he purchased his new fashion statement.
As Sweden prepares to take on the Netherlands in the second game of the group stages in Houston, thousands of international fans, who have traveled to support their home teams, are lovingly embracing American culture.
Ahead of Saturday’s match, local outlet KHOU 11 News Houston spoke with one Swedish man proudly wearing a brown cowboy hat amid the festivities.
Asked if he picked up the cowboy hat in America or back in Sweden, the man revealed: “No, from Buc-ee’s, from Buc-ee’s. So go Buc-ee’s — great place. I love the beef jerky, we love the cowboy style. You’re great.”
Buc-ee’s is a beloved mega-travel center and convenience store chain that originated in Texas. Widely celebrated for its clean bathrooms, extensive snack selection and expansive gas pump stations, it is a popular tourist destination that has expanded into several other Southern states.
In 2024, the franchise opened a new location in Luling, Texas, spanning 75,000 square feet, making it the world’s largest convenience store.
The Sweden fan’s praise for Buc-ee’s didn’t go unnoticed.
“Buc-ee’s coming clutch with the cowboy gear!” one person commented on Instagram, while a second wrote: “Take that man to a rodeo.”
“A cowboy hat from Bucees?!” a third exclaimed, alongside a handful of laughing emojis. “I’m dying.”
When the reporter noted the energy and the number of Swedish fans who turned out, the man replied: “Of course, it’s the World Cup. You talk about Super Bowl here in America. You have to understand, this is the biggest sport and the biggest event in the world.”
The 2026 World Cup has invited 48 teams and countries to compete in games taking place across the United States, Mexico and Canada. The tournament is currently in the group stages, but will move into the knockout rounds June 28.
Last week, Sweden pummeled Tunisia 5-1 in the first round of the group stages.
As the event continues to attract hordes of international fans, the Transportation Security Administration was forced to issue a reminder of its carry-on liquid restrictions after travelers tried to stuff bottles of ranch dressing in their luggage.
“Who knew dip-lomacy could be achieved through addressing the obvious: ranch is the king of condiments,” the TSA wrote in the caption of a recent Instagram post, featuring comments about packing the American staple in a checked bag. “The world is slowly discovering ranch pairs perfectly with pizza, chicken wings, fries, onion rings, quesadillas, crackers, chips, vegetables, and the list just keeps growing.”
“Are you kicking around the idea of flying home with your favorite dip?” said the company, which mandates that all liquids in carry-on luggage — including shampoo, conditioner and now sauces — need to be in containers that are 3.4 ounces or less.
“Ok please avoid chugging your ranch outside security, the airlines will check it for you,” the TSA wrote in one photo, while another read: “Yeah, soooo your carry-on wasn’t made for *check notes* four bottles of ranch & a taser.”
