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U.S. Beats Australia 2-0, Chooses “Country Roads” Victory Song

6/24/2026

31 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

FIFA and U.S. Soccer chose John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” as the victory song for the Seattle win.
U.S. Soccer employee and FIFA executive Amy Hopfinger selected the track, noting Bon Jovi and Neil Diamond were also considered.
Auston Trusty and Sebastian Berhalter called the win a dream and said the atmosphere was insane.
The United States beat Australia 2-0 at Lumen Field securing a knockout-stage berth and Group D title.

History

Historical Context

The United States hosted the third FIFA Women’s World Cup from June 19 to July 10 1999, drawing a record 90,185 fans to the Rose Bowl for the final where the U.S. beat China 5-4 on penalties. That watershed event sparked the creation of the Women’s United Soccer Association and continues to shape U.S. Soccer’s branding choices today.

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Story summary

FIFA and U.S. Soccer chose John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” as the victory song for the Seattle win.
U.S. Soccer employee and FIFA executive Amy Hopfinger selected the track, noting Bon Jovi and Neil Diamond were also considered.
Auston Trusty and Sebastian Berhalter called the win a dream and said the atmosphere was insane.
The United States beat Australia 2-0 at Lumen Field securing a knockout-stage berth and Group D title.

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