According to ESPN, ranch dressing has become one of the most visible stories of the World Cup group stage, appearing in memes, reels, fans’ carry-on suitcases and, reportedly, in the mouths of many international visitors to the United States. The condiment — nicknamed “American Sauce” in some corners — has taken on a life of its own, and U.S. midfielder Weston McKennie, who ESPN says serves as the unofficial captain of this growing phenomenon, believes he was ahead of the trend. “I saw it coming,” McKennie told ESPN. “I was a trendsetter.”
ESPN recalls that McKennie was widely mocked five years ago after a scene in an Amazon documentary about Juventus showed him telling teammates Giorgio Chiellini and Gianluigi Buffon that he puts ranch dressing on his pizza. Buffon chuckled and Chiellini appeared visibly horrified, but McKennie remained unbowed, calling ranch “amazing.”
As international fans flock to matches around the country, ESPN reports the prevailing opinion appears to be shifting in McKennie’s favor. The surge in interest has even created issues for the travel industry: authorities have warned about airline passengers packing ranch in cabin bags and running afoul of the TSA’s 3.4-ounce rule for liquids and gels. McKennie, who said he has brought ranch back to Italy in his checked luggage, told ESPN he was “very happy to see that the TSA was sending out a report” telling travelers to stop carrying ranch in carry-on bags and that he would relay the guidance to his club teammates.
On the field, ESPN notes McKennie has played a key role as the U.S. beat Paraguay and Australia in its first two group games. He also featured in an off-day incident recounted by ESPN: McKennie, Christian Pulisic and Alejandro Zendejas were stranded several miles from the team hotel after an accident closed the road, and with Pulisic carrying a calf injury McKennie helped arrange a street-legal golf cart to bring them back. The meal before the delay, McKennie said, was pizza and “excellent.”
ESPN reports McKennie has taken satisfaction from the broader moment for ranch. He said opponents had given him “a lot of s— for it” and that now “they understand what I mean. It’s addicting.” “It’s the best,” he added, as the condiment became an unlikely cultural touchstone during the tournament.
