Full Breakdown
“Take Me Home, Country Roads” Becomes Unofficial USMNT World Cup Anthem
6/23/2026, 7:03:45 AM
The Win and the Song
On June 19, 2026 the United States men’s national team beat Australia 2-0 at Seattle’s Lumen Field, clinching Group D and a Round-of-32 spot. After the final whistle, John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” played and the 66-plus-thousand crowd sang as the players circled the pitch.
Playlist Selection
FIFA asked all 48 teams to submit playlists for warm-ups, hydration breaks and post-win celebrations. U.S. Soccer consulted players and staff, proposing three American tracks: Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline,” Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer,” and John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” England’s claim to “Sweet Caroline” removed it, leaving the other two for final review.
Decision Makers
Former U.S. Soccer employee Amy Hopfinger, now FIFA’s chief business and strategy officer, chose “Country Roads” as the anthem. A U.S. Soccer spokesperson said the song met the criteria of “representative of American artists and great sing-along tracks.” Head coach Mauricio Pochettino and captain Tim Ream praised the moment.
Fan Reaction
The lyric about “home” resonated with a diverse audience, including immigrants who saw the chant as a bridge between heritage and American identity. Clips of fans in Atlanta, Boston and other venues echoing the chorus turned the Seattle scene into a viral soundtrack.
Official Statements
U.S. Soccer said FIFA’s playlist request guided the choice and that “Take Me Home, Country Roads” and “Livin’ on a Prayer” were selected for post-win play. The federation noted “Sweet Caroline” was omitted because England had claimed it. Amy Hopfinger confirmed her role in finalizing the decision.
Dissent
Far-right commentator Charles Downs contrasted the chant with earlier BLM gestures, framing it as a shift. John Denver’s estate reminded public that the artist opposed politicizing his music and urged respect for his environmental and humanitarian legacy.
On-the-Ground
Fans at Lumen Field sang for several minutes, with players joining and taking a lap. Similar sing-alongs were reported in Atlanta, Boston and other cities, underscoring the song’s cross-national appeal.
Conflicting Reports
Sources list attendance as 66,000 (CBS), 66,925 (NY Post) or “nearly 67,000” (NBC) and differ on whether “Livin’ on a Prayer” was used during hydration breaks. No source has confirmed if “Country Roads” will play after the group match versus Türkiye.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I had to ask myself: ‘Is this real life?’” — Tim Ream, USMNT captain
- “It's just being proud of your country,” — Auston Trusty, USMNT defender
- “The atmosphere was insane,” — Sebastian Berhalter, USMNT midfielder
- “Even if I am not American, after the game I was emotional,” — Mauricio Pochettino, USMNT head coach
Upcoming Match
The United States will face Türkiye at SoFi Stadium on July 1, then meet a third-place finisher from Groups B, E, F, I or J at Levi’s Stadium for the Round of 32. Observers expect “Country Roads” to stay a fixture if the team advances.