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Viral World Cup fan Freddy gets stranded at airport, airlines start bidding war to fly him to Canada

Freddy, the viral World Cup fan, got stranded in Dallas and sparked a bidding war among airlines, private jet owners, and even Utah's governor.

Published June 20, 2026, 5:39 PM
Updated June 20, 2026, 6:37 PM1.1K
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Viral World Cup fan Freddy gets stranded at airport, airlines start bidding war to fly him to Canada

German soccer fan's US food tour goes viral

A German soccer fan named Freddy goes viral for his enthusiastic reviews of American food, including Waffle House and Freddy's, during a road trip through the U.S. ahead of the World Cup. His humorous takes on Americana, like Buc-ee's and Walmart, provide a unique perspective on American culture.

Freddy, the viral World Cup fan and Germany soccer supporter, has broken the internet once again. He recently shared on X, "Our connecting flight from Dallas to Canada has been canceled due to weather. They rebooked us on a flight tomorrow evening. We‘re gonna miss the Germany match."

Then, private jet owners, major airlines, and even the governor of Utah flooded to Freddy’s replies offering to help.

Germany fans seated in the stands at a stadium.

Germany fans watch from the stands in Houston, Texas, on June 14, 2026. (Troy Taormina/Imagn Images)

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It was like a soap opera, honestly. John Owen, the president and CEO of Airshare, a U.S. private aviation company, offered to help by replying, "What time do you need to get there by? and eventually posting, "your chariot awaits," accompanied by a look at the inside of the luxury private jet. 

American Airlines replied, "Not on our watch, Freddy. Check your DMs."

Air Canada said, "Hi Freddy, let’s get you to Toronto. Can you send us a DM?"

The governor of Utah, Spencer Cox offered his assistance saying, "Hey Freddy, I’m the governor of Utah. I’m assuming someone has reached out to help you make [it] to your match tomorrow. If not, DM me and I’ll help get you there."

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What made the story especially interesting was not just the fact that there was a bidding war for who would fly Freddy and his buddies to Toronto, but the fact he was radio silent for almost four hours. I, like millions of others, was on the edge of my seat waiting to see how this stranded saga would end. Would he fly in private luxury? Was Air Force One on the way to pick him? (I’m only half joking). 

Germany fans seated in the stands at a sports event.

Germany fans watch from the stands in Houston, Texas, on June 14, 2026. (Maria Lysaker/Imagn Images)

FREDDY, THE VIRAL WORLD CUP TOURIST, LINKS UP WITH COUNTRY SINGER ELLA LANGLEY AND THE INTERNET LOVES IT

Eventually, Freddy gave the world a much-needed and heartwarming update. He posted on X, "UPDATE: We’re on the plane to Buffalo!!! American Airlines was incredibly helpful and made it possible for us to get on this flight. A special thank you to @JJWatt for organizing it while we were in the air to Dallas. Big thanks as well to everyone else who offered their help."

Notably, J.J. Watt hooked Freddy and his friends up with a suite at a nearby hotel in Houston, a signed jersey, and has struck up a friendship with Freddy that has proven again to be extremely valuable.

Former NFL star J.J. Watt speaking at Texans Ring of Honor ceremony at NRG Stadium in Houston

Former Houston Texans player J.J. Watt speaks during a ceremony inducting him into the Texans Ring of Honor at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on Oct. 1, 2023. (Logan Riely/Getty Images)

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This is Freddy’s world, we’re just living in it. He has the world’s biggest airlines, millionaires, country music stars, the whole sports world in the palm of his hands. He’s quite literally a rockstar. I feel like this is the script for a "Most Interesting Man in the World" Dos Equis commercial. He’s the subject of the coolest sports fan story we’ve ever heard. The level of stardom is unmatched right now.

Jon is a writer and content creator for OutKick

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