sports
FIFA Adds 'Country Roads' to Post-Match Playlist for U.S. Team
FIFA placed the song on its post-game playlist to create a shared moment between the U.S. team and supporters. The track has been played after several U.S. matches at the current World Cup and has drawn participation from players and fans.
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FIFA officials added John Denver's "Take Me Home, Country Roads" to post-match playlist options for the U.S. national team. The song first played after a 2-0 win over Australia in Seattle and has been used after later matches including a 2-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina in Santa Clara, California.
The track prompted fans inside the stadium and on social media to sing along with players. During matches not involving the U.S. team, the song has also been played during hydration breaks and received positive responses from spectators.
Song co-writer Bill Danoff told The Associated Press that the lyrics were inspired by a drive on Maryland's Clopper Road rather than West Virginia roads. Danoff said he had listened to Appalachian music from a West Virginia radio station while growing up in Massachusetts.
The John Denver estate told the AP the song's message is not limited to any single state. The estate said the track's simple and relatable lyrics make it suitable for group singing.
The song has been a staple at West Virginia University football games after home victories. Fans in Germany have sung it during the NFL's annual games there since 2022, and Manchester United supporters have adapted the lyrics to reference their stadium. England's national team has adopted a similar post-match singing tradition with Oasis' "Wonderwall" after each match in the current tournament.
