Brazilian Drives Volkswagen Beetle to U.S. to Follow Brazil's National Team at World Cup

Brazilian Guilherme Martin, 33, traveled more than 20,000 kilometers in a Volkswagen Beetle to follow Brazil’s national team matches at the World Cup in the United States. He left Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil’s southernmost state, in March and crossed 13 countries before reaching U.S. territory.

The project "Even in a Beetle We Will Go," a reference to Grêmio’s anthem, began in 2024, when Guilherme decided to follow the club across South America. By the end of last year, he had already traveled more than 80,000 kilometers.

The trip had setbacks: two tires burst in Argentina, his cellphone and drone were stolen in Colombia, the brakes failed in Mexico, and a transmission breakdown left the car stopped for four days in Panama. The vehicle, a blue 1971 Beetle honoring the southern Brazilian club, also suffered an oil leak when entering the U.S.

Estimated expenses ranged from R$80,000 to R$90,000 just for the outbound trip. To finance the adventure, Martin used savings, launched an online fundraiser, and organized raffles on social media.

After the World Cup, he plans to drive Route 66 before returning to Brazil.

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