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Dancing across the pitch and acknowledging the crowd after a 2–0 victory over Australia on Friday in Seattle, the U.S. men's national team players could barely hear themselves over the thunderous cheering.
"Take Me Home, Country Roads, to the place where I belong," bellowed the 66,925 fans in attendance, with numerous players joining in, as the USMNT embraced its newest post-victory anthem in one of North American soccer's most passionate venues.
"Singing that song was one of the highlights of this whole tournament so far," midfielder Sebastian Berhalter told Sports Illustrated. "Belting that out, it just felt so American in that moment and with the guys on the team singing along, that was really cool."
The track, originally released by John Denver in 1971, has cemented itself in the American musical consciousness, with nearly every crowd familiar with at least the chorus. It sits alongside Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer" and Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline" as crowd favorites during World Cup hydration breaks, drawing enthusiastic sing-alongs amid the chorus of boos.
🗣️🗣️ Country roads, take me home…
To the place I belong 🗣️🗣️ pic.twitter.com/4VIK9kCMuE
For American supporters less accustomed to the traditional chanting and singing of European, African, or South American soccer culture, it's exactly the kind of moment to energize a crowd—offering something beyond the familiar "I believe that we will win" and "U-S-A!" chants.
"It's just being proud of your country," defender Auston Trusty told reporters. "I think 'Country Roads' is a very American song. To hear that in the stadium, everyone was singing along—everyone. If you're American, you probably know that song, so everyone's singing and celebrating the win, and you're smiling and happy with your teammates. It's a dream come true."
The song gained widespread popularity in the 1970s and has since become a beloved sports anthem at West Virginia University, thanks to the state's mention in the lyrics—despite the road it actually references being Clopper Road in Montgomery County, Md.
Well known for its association with WVU, it joins a collection of tracks that have become iconic in college sports, alongside Virginia Tech's celebrated "Enter Sandman" pregame entrance and Alabama's "Dixieland Delight."
"I've noticed the fans singing along even in other games too," Berhalter added. "It's great they've been doing that, and it keeps the crowds engaged."
How Did the USMNT Land on 'Country Roads'?
The Americanization of major international soccer tournaments—most notably the 2024 Copa América, the 2025 Club World Cup, and this summer's World Cup—has opened the door for more team-specific anthems. Already this summer, each squad has been assigned a goal song, much like those heard in the Bundesliga or ice hockey.
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For the USMNT, the goal song blends techno and pop elements, but FIFA also requested that each of the 48 competing nations submit a separate win song. U.S. Soccer gathered input from players and staff within the organization, seeking options by American artists capable of igniting a crowd singalong, ultimately selecting Country Roads from a shortlist that also featured "Sweet Caroline" and "Livin' on a Prayer"—with England's strong association with "Sweet Caroline" factoring into the decision.
Having witnessed the electrifying singalong once in Los Angeles and again in Seattle, the USMNT will be hoping the tradition carries on during their final Group D match against Türkiye on Thursday, ahead of the knockout rounds, which could bring a round of 16 return to Seattle.