What should have been a quick post-match stop at Walmart turned into an impromptu stadium celebration after hundreds of Australian soccer fans packed a Texas store, forcing employees to call police.
The incident occurred in Arlington, Texas, at a Walmart near the Dallas Stadium, the venue for the Australia vs Egypt match in the FIFA World Cup. Videos show hundreds of Australia supporters, many wearing the team’s signature yellow jerseys, chanting “We’re going to Walmart” as they headed toward the store. Once inside, the chant shifted to “We’re getting deported” as the crowd clapped and continued celebrating.
Sadly for the Walmart employees, the chaos didn’t end there because Instagram user @jonocastanoacero captured another angle of the incident where the same crowd can be seen jumping up and down and singing inside Walmart. Some fans were also seen climbing onto food shelves and displays while singing and jumping inside the store.
The disruption eventually prompted Walmart employees to call 911. According to local reports, the Arlington Police Department responded to break up the gathering. Authorities have not announced any arrests or criminal charges related to the incident, and there were no reports of injuries or significant property damage.
Viewers Debate Whether the Texas Celebration Went Too Far
Online reaction to the Walmart takeover was sharply divided. Some viewers criticized the fans’ conduct, arguing the chants and disruption reflected poorly on Australia’s supporters. “Worst fans of the World Cup are the Australians,” one social media user wrote. Another commenter blasted the group, saying, “How embarrassing for them. Respect our country.”
Certain commenters even regarded the chanting as disrespectful, especially since the incident happened just a day before the 4th of July, or Independence Day in the US. “Shows you the utter lack of respect America has despite the orange leader trying desperately to portray its never been higher,” rants an X user.
With no arrests or injuries reported, the incident quickly became one of the tournament’s most widely shared moments off the field, showing how World Cup celebrations can spill into unexpected places.
