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‘Country Roads' is taking the World Cup by storm
By Angela Yang | NBC News at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC)
· June 22, 2026
· 1 min read
World Cup fans were united this weekend by a song synonymous with belonging, nostalgia and the yearning for home.
John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” is enjoying a new wave of popularity as its singalong chorus becomes a staple among soccer fans nationwide.
U.S. Soccer officials sel...
Key takeaway John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” is enjoying a new wave of popularity as its singalong chorus becomes a staple among soccer fans nationwide.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The adoption of "Take Me Home, Country Roads" as a post-match celebration tune for the US men's national team has significant local implications for Los Angeles , a city that will likely host World Cup matches in the future. As the World Cup brings together fans from diverse backgrounds, the song's popularity serves as a unifying force, bridging cultural divides and fostering a sense of community among attendees. For Los Angeles, a city known for its cultural exchange and diversity, the World Cup's presence presents an opportunity to showcase its unique blend of American and international influences. The city's residents, comprising a large number of immigrants and children of immigrants, can relate to the song's themes of nostalgia and belonging, making it a fitting anthem for the local fan base. As the city prepares to host future international soccer events, the popularity of "Country Roads" could have a lasting impact on the local sports culture.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 22, 2026 ·
Source: NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? World Cup fans were united this weekend by a song synonymous with belonging, nostalgia and the yearning for home.
John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” is enjoying a new wave of popularity as its singalong chorus becomes a staple among soccer fans nationwide.
U.S. Soccer officials sel...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 22, 2026 by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Angela Yang | NBC News at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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