How 'Country Roads' Became the Soundtrack of the US Team's World Cup Run
- On Monday, the United States Men's National Team celebrated their 2-0 World Cup victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina by singing John Denver's 'Take Me Home, Country Roads' on the field in Santa Clara.
- Former U.S. Soccer executive Amy Hopfinger selected the anthem from a list of options including Neil Diamond's 'Sweet Caroline' and Bon Jovi's 'Livin' on a Prayer' to energize the team.
- Midfielder Weston McKennie and coach Mauricio Pochettino led teammates in belting out the 1971 hit, which fans embraced as a sports staple during the tournament. USMNT player Chris Richard said the crowd has been the team's 'twelfth man' throughout.
- FIFA officials added the song to postgame playlists to create shared moments between the team and supporters. The Denver estate told The Associated Press it is 'thrilled' by the song's latest revival at the World Cup.
- Although the lyrics celebrate West Virginia, the song originated during a 1970 drive along Maryland's Clopper Road by writers Bill Danoff and Taffy Nivert. It is now the 2026 World Cup's unofficial anthem for the United States.
94 Articles
94 Articles
Los Angeles Times
Independent EspañolIt has become one of the enduring scenes of the United States team during this World Cup: jubilant players join tens of thousands of fans to sing John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” at the end of their matches.
Day Around the Bay: Crowd Sings ‘Take Me Home, Country Road’ to US Team at Final Bay Area World Cup Game
The Onion will be airing its long-awaited parody of Alex Jones’s ‘InfoWars’ on Thursdays; an SF pop star named her tour after the Stonestown Galleria; and fans serenaded the US men’s team to John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Road,” following their victory Wednesday night.
How ‘Country Roads’ became the soundtrack of the US team’s World Cup run - Regional Media News
It's become one of the enduring scenes of the U.S. team during this World Cup: jubilant U.S. players joining tens of thousands of fans in singing John Denver's "Take Me Home, Country Roads" at the end of their matches. Even coach Mauricio Pochettino, who was born in Argentina and lives in Spain, got in on the act after Wednesday's 2-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina, belting out the words to Denver's anthem as he hugged his players and staff mem…
How John Denver’s ‘Country Roads’ Became the Soundtrack of the US Team’s World Cup Run
How John Denver’s ‘Country Roads’ Became the Soundtrack of the US Team’s World Cup Run Associated Press Thu, 07/02/2026 - 17:42 It’s become one of the enduring scenes of the U.S. team during this World Cup: jubilant U.S. players joining tens of thousands of fans in singing John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” at the end of their matches. Even coach Mauricio Pochettino, who was born in Argentina and lives in Spain, got in on the act after …
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