The USMNTs John Denver decision that led to a viral World Cup moment

IRVINE, Calif.— The most memorable moment inside Seattle Stadium last Friday during the 2-0 victory over Australia that sealed the USMNT’s seat in the knockout rounds was not the dramatic flyover by four Black Hawk helicopters.

It was not the own goal that opened the scoring.It was not Alex Freeman’s header that secured the lead.It was a song.After the win, as players waved to supporters in the stands, John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” poured from the speakers.

That’s when 66,925 fans stood shoulder to shoulder and sang in unison as if they had rehearsed it their entire lives.Players wrapped their arms around their teammates and sang along.For a few brief moments, the World Cup stopped being about strategy and standings.It was about belonging.

It was about unifying.“It was incredible,” veteran team captain Tim Ream said afterward.“I had to ask myself: ‘Is this real life?’ ”The scene quickly went viral.

Fans across social media wondered the same thing: How did a 1971 folk-country classic become the unofficial anthem of the USMNT’s World Cup run?The answer begins before the tournament ever started.According to U.S.Soccer officials, FIFA asked all 48 participating nations to submit playlists that could be used for warmups, goals, hydration breaks and postgame celebrations.

Rather than leave the decision to staff members, the U.S.turned to the players.The players wanted songs that felt American and that supporters knew by heart and could sing together after games.The players delivered a shortlist that included Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer,” Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” and Denver’s “Country Roads.”There was one complication.England had also selected “Sweet Caroline.”So when FIFA executive Amy Hopfinger, a former U.S.

Soccer employee, helped finalize stadium music selections, “Country Roads” emerged as the choice that would follow American victories throughout the tournament.What looked like a s...