U.S. soccer team makes ‘Country Roads’ its World Cup victory anthem

John Denver’s 1971 hit “Take Me Home, Country Roads” has become the unofficial anthem of the United States men’s national soccer team at the 2026 World Cup. After the U.S. beat Australia 2‑0 in Seattle, FIFA added the song to its post‑match playlist, and the team sang it together with fans. The practice continued after a 2‑0 win over Bosnia‑Herzegovina in Santa Clara, with coach Mauricio Pochettino joining the chorus. The John Denver estate said it was “thrilled” by the revival, noting the song’s simple, relatable lyrics. The track was originally co‑written by Bill Danoff and Taffy Nivert, inspired by a drive on Maryland’s Clopper Road, not West Virginia, before John Denver recorded it. The anthem has sparked viral moments on social media, been played during hydration breaks, and helped create a shared emotional experience between the players and tens of thousands of supporters.