As the U.S.men’s national soccer team heard the final whistle blow at Lumen Field this past Friday, they also heard thousands in the sold-out crowd cheering and singing following a 2-0 victory over Australia that punched their ticket to the knockout stages of the World Cup.But there was one specific song that rained down from the stands and onto the pitch: "Take Me Home, Country Roads," famously sang by John Denver.There’s an origin story behind why that song specifically was chosen for the moment where Team USA wins a World Cup match.
FIFA actually asked teams to submit potential playlists for warmups, goals and wins.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMFans of the United States cheer before the international friendly match against Germany at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill., on June 6, 2026.(Daniel Bartel/USSF/Getty Images)Well, U.S.
Soccer said it consulted with the players, as well as those inside the organization, about what songs should ring out from the speakers during matches.The curated list was looking for songs that were both representative of American artists and would be good sing-along tracks for fans in the stands.Among the list were classics like Bon Jovi’s "Livin’ on a Prayer," Neil Diamond’s "Sweet Caroline," and Take Me Home, Country Roads."Sweet Caroline," though, is used by England in this tournament, as is the classic Oasis track, "Wonderwall."USA WORLD CUP TEAM CLINCHES SPOT IN KNOCKOUT STAGE AFTER ANOTHER HISTORIC PERFORMANCE VS AUSTRALIASo, "Livin’ on a Prayer" remained on the playlist, but former U.S.
Soccer employee and now FIFA executive, Amy Hopfinger, made the call for "Take Me Home, Country Roads" to specifically be used.As it played over the speakers, the crowd drowned out Denver with its collective bellowing to the players.They clapped and saluted the rendition of the classic folk tune in Seattle as well as Los Angeles, where the USMNT won its first World Cup match — a 4-1 dominating victory over Paraguay...