If your social media algorithm is even slightly tuned to the FIFA World Cup, you’ve probably come across Freddy, a German soccer fan traversing the United States and Canada to experience the world’s biggest sporting event.
Freddy has made several stops in the Southeast, including taking a hike outside Chattanooga, visiting Fairhope – a place he said he could see himself living one day – and touring the facilities of the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans. He’s also checked off quintessential American stops like Waffle House and Buc-ee’s, eaten Texas barbecue with Houston law enforcement, nabbed a signed J.J. Watt jersey, and even received an invitation to a Sexy Redd concert.
But did he take time to visit Mississippi?
Well, not exactly, but he did drive through on Friday night. While traveling along one of the state’s most scene routes, U.S. 90 – or Beach Boulevard, as many Mississippians know it – Freddy instantly took a liking to Mississippi’s 26 miles of beach.
“Driving along Mississippi’s Gulf Coast. Our fifth state of the trip,” Freddy wrote on X, paired with a sunshine emoji. “Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to stop, but the beaches looked incredible. Guess we’ll have to come back someday.”
Driving along Mississippi’s Gulf Coast. Our fifth state of the trip.☀️
Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to stop, but the beaches looked incredible. Guess we’ll have to come back someday. pic.twitter.com/lDFNZOdGpu
— Freddy🇩🇪 (@FreddyLA7) June 12, 2026
Even though Freddy didn’t have time to stop, as he and his two German companions had to be in Houston to watch their home country defeat Curaçao on Sunday at NRG Stadium, plenty of Mississippians are already asking him to make a return trip to the Magnolia State.
One of those was Gov. Tate Reeves.
“Mississippi – the world’s best kept secret in so many ways… And some of the most incredible beaches in America!” Reeves quoted Freddy’s post with. “Come back soon and we’ll set up an experience you’ll never forget.”
Mississippi – the world’s best kept secret in so many ways…
And some of the most incredible beaches in America!
Come back soon and we’ll set up an experience you’ll never forget. https://t.co/NmRL4SefCQ
— Governor Tate Reeves (@tatereeves) June 14, 2026
Another was Mississippi Center for Public Policy President and CEO Douglas Carswell, a former British Parliament member who has found a home he loves in Mississippi. Carswell previously offered to take Freddy to lunch if his roadmap took him through Jackson and later wrote on X, “You must really come back!”
Hurricane chaser Josh Mogerman told Freddy that Bay St. Louis is “the gem of the Mississippi coast,” while U.S. Senate candidate Scott Colom and state Sen. Joel Carter made it clear that Freddy and his companions are welcome in south Mississippi any time.
Plenty of other Mississippi X users also invited Freddy to return, so he can enjoy Biloxi’s casinos, Ocean Springs and Gulfport restaurants, and more.
As for Freddy’s immediate plans, he will catch Portugal and DR Congo in Wednesday’s World Cup match in Houston before heading to Oklahoma for an Ella Langley concert. Whether his travels eventually bring him back to Mississippi – and whether he’ll take up the several offers to stay for a night or two – remains unknown.