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How 'Country Roads' became the soundtrack of the US team's World Cup run
By R.J. Rico, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 2, 2026
· 5 min read
It's become one of the enduring scenes of the U.S. team during this World Cup: jubilant U.S. players joining tens of thousands of fans in singing John Denver's “Take Me Home, Country Roads” at the end of their matches.Even coach Mauricio Pochettino, who was born in Argentina and lives in Spain, g...
Key takeaway Even coach Mauricio Pochettino, who was born in Argentina and lives in Spain, got in on the act after Wednesday's 2-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina, belting out the words to Denver's anthem as he hugged his players and staff members.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
San Antonio residents watching the World Cup may be surprised to learn that the iconic song "Take Me Home, Country Roads" has its roots in a drive through Maryland, not West Virginia. The song's adoption by the US team has brought attention to its enduring message, which transcends geography. As the city's own soccer fans join in singing the anthem, they may appreciate the connection between the song's origins and the diverse cultural influences that shape American music. The fact that the song's cowriter, Bill Danoff, drew inspiration from Appalachian music broadcast from West Virginia's WWVA radio station highlights the rich musical heritage of the region. San Antonio, with its own unique cultural blend, can relate to the idea that music can bring people together across different backgrounds and geographies. As the World Cup continues, it will be interesting to see how the song's popularity resonates with local fans and whether it sparks a new appreciation for the city's own musical diversity.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio 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 KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? It's become one of the enduring scenes of the U.S. team during this World Cup: jubilant U.S. players joining tens of thousands of fans in singing John Denver's “Take Me Home, Country Roads” at the end of their matches.Even coach Mauricio Pochettino, who was born in Argentina and lives in Spain, g...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by R.J. Rico, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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