The song ‘Take Me Home, the Roads of the World’ became the anthem of the USMNT World Cup
How Team USA inspires the nation with its faith
Former soccer player and Seattle Sounders coach Jesse Bradley discusses the US Men’s National Team’s historic start to the 2026 World Cup, winning its first group stage games since 1930. Bradley emphasizes the team’s inspiring community faith, which leads to Bible studies and prayer after games, and how it unites Americans through soccer, which is now a popular sport.
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As the US men’s national soccer team heard the final whistle blow at Lumen Field last Friday, they also heard thousands in the sold-out crowd cheering and singing following a 2-0 win over Australia that punched their ticket to the knockout stages of the World Cup.
But there was one song that rained down from the stairs and into the arena: “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” made famous by John Denver.
There is an origin story as to why that song was chosen for the moment when Team USA won a World Cup game. FIFA actually asked teams to submit potential lineups for warmups, goals and wins.
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United States fans cheer before an international friendly match against Germany at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill., on June 6, 2026. (Photos by Daniel Bartel/USSF/Getty)
However, US Soccer said it has consulted with players, as well as insiders, about which songs should be played over the speakers during games. The shortlist was looking for songs that were both representative of American artists and would be hits for fans at home.
Among the set were such classics as Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer,” Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline,” and Take Me Home, Country Roads.
“Sweet Caroline,” however, is being used by England in the tournament, as is Oasis’ classic, “Wonderwall.”
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So, “Livin’ on a Prayer” remained on the playlist, but former US soccer official and now FIFA official, Amy Hopfinger, called for “Take Me Home, Country Roads” to be used directly.
As it played over the speakers, the crowd drowned out Denver with their screams for the players. They clapped and saluted the national anthem in Seattle and in Los Angeles, where the USMNT won its first World Cup game – a 4-1 victory over Paraguay.
A young American soccer fan cheers before the international friendly match between the United States and Germany at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois, on June 6, 2026. (Photos by Andrew J. Clark/ISI)
The USMNT hopes to hit the mark again on Thursday in their final group stage game against Türkiye, although the game doesn’t mean much for either team. For Team USA, their win over Australia cemented their place in the playoffs as well as giving them victory in Group D of the group stage.
As a result, the USMNT will be heading to the Bay Area either way for their next game, preparing for a Round of 32 matchup with the third-place team from Groups B, E, F, I or J.
United States fans cheer during an international friendly match against Germany at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill., on June 6, 2026. (Omar Vega/USSF/Getty Images)
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A lot of momentum has built for the USMNT, and going into the final game of the group stage without worrying about being eliminated from the tournament is certainly not a great feeling for a team that takes advantage of its home country.
They will be hoping to hear many fans singing their famous team song as they continue to advance in the competition.
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