America’s Unseen Charms Highlighted by World Cup Visitors

During a Real Time monologue, Bill Maher humorously noted how World Cup fans touring the United States are inadvertently boosting American morale. Maher presented viral videos of soccer tourists expressing joy over everyday American experiences such as Costco and air-conditioned stadiums. He remarked that these international visitors are reminding Americans of their country’s often overlooked strengths.

Thousands of fans enthusiastically embraced American culture and the American lifestyle during the FIFA World Cup. However, few were as enthused as Norwegian striker Erling Haaland. It seems that some good old American spirit influenced him during his stay. Haaland, a star for Manchester City, returned home with a stuffed raccoon holding a booze bottle, a popular item, and shared a video of himself playing golf on a boat. He smashed biodegradable golf balls into the water while blasting music by country artist Ella Langley.

Celebrating Americana

Bill Maher’s admiration for foreign visitors was clear: “They are reminding Americans this place is kind of awesome.” Haaland’s actions, such as hitting golf balls off a boat and enjoying country music, are quintessentially American, despite Norway’s fjords and his use of Celsius instead of Fahrenheit. Golf may not have originated in America, but Americans are experts at launching tee shots from cliffs, beaches, cars, and even the Moon.

With Ms. Langley’s tunes enhancing the experience, Haaland’s antics evoked a strong sense of American patriotism—akin to craving apple pie and lighting fireworks. Maher jokingly suggested discussing honorary U.S. citizenship for Haaland due to his embrace of American culture. This idea mirrors colleges’ practice of awarding honorary doctorates for motivational commencement speeches.

Maher proposed offering a symbolic gesture of appreciation to those who exhibit a deep affinity for American culture, be it hitting golf balls while listening to country music or enjoying a pastrami sandwich. Haaland walks across an Oslo runway with his famous taxidermied raccoon, a nod to his American adventures.

While honorary citizens would not have voting rights or the ability to hold office, they could sport Old Navy Fourth of July shirts without seeming out of place as a small tribute to their embrace of Americana.