July the 1st, 2026 – A pair of American newlyweds who had their celebration lovingly “crashed” by passionate Croatia fans in Philadelphia were so enchanted that they’re coming to Croatia for their honeymoon.
Index reports that what should have been like any other wedding day in Philadelphia happened to transform into a moment the newlyweds will never forget. Alongside getting hitched, they also unexpectedly found themselves celebrating with hundreds and hundreds of Croatia fans there for the World Cup 2026.
Ashton and Zach Smith had just said “I do” and were leaving Philadelphia City Hall when they walked into a crowd of Croatia fans all gathered ahead of Croatia’s match against Ghana. Instead of simply passing by, the fans surrounded the couple with songs, applause and celebrations for their big day.
The spontaneous celebration quickly became a totally viral moment. The couple joined in, took photos with the fans and enjoyed the unexpected attention as Croatian flags, chants and music filled the square. What was supposed to be a normal wedding exit became a Croatian-style street celebration that could simply have never been done elsewhere at any other time.
Many have rightly praised the Croatia fans for creating a positive and memorable moment for the newlyweds. The encounter was seen as an example of precisely how football can connect people from completely different backgrounds.
After the video spread across social media and further, the Croatian Tourist Board decided to invite Ashton and Zach to Croatia for their honeymoon. The invitation came after an initiative by the Croatian fans’ group Croatian Fans Embassy We Croats (Mi Hrvati) and Igor Čavlović.
The couple happily accepted the invitation. Details of their visit, including when they will arrive and which Croatian destinations they will visit, will be announced later.
The Croatian Tourist Board welcomed them with the message: “Ashton and Zach, welcome to Croatia, the country with a big heart.”
What started as a random meeting outside a city hall became a story about football, Croatia’s signature hospitality and a wedding memory that crossed the vast swathes of the Atlantic Ocean.
