How “Country Roads” Became The Soundtrack For Team USA

India-West News Desk

LOS ANGELES, CA – The U.S. Men’s National Team is off to a historic start at the 2026 World Cup, winning its first two group matches since 1930. But they’ve also claimed an unexpected hit: John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” It’s become the go-to song for the squad’s wins.

It started when FIFA asked teams to submit music for stadium speakers.

U.S. Soccer staff and players wanted songs that felt American and were easy for crowds to sing. They looked at tracks like Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” and Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer.”

But there was an issue. Since England already picked “Sweet Caroline,” Amy Hopfinger, a former U.S. Soccer staffer who’s now a FIFA executive, made the final call to use the John Denver classic instead.

The choice worked. After the team beat Australia 2-0 at Lumen Field in Seattle, the crowd drowned out the stadium speakers by belting out the song. It was the same scene in Los Angeles after the USMNT’s 4-1 victory over Paraguay.

The squad is riding a wave of momentum as they prepare to face Belgium in the Round of 16 on July 6. They’re hoping to hear that anthem ringing out from the stands for the rest of the tournament.