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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 KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)
· 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 Piney Point
The adoption of "Take Me Home, Country Roads" by the US team in the World Cup has brought attention to the song's enduring appeal, and for residents of Piney Point Village , it's a reminder of the power of music to unite people across different regions. While the song's lyrics pay tribute to West Virginia, its origins are rooted in a drive through Maryland, highlighting the fluidity of cultural influences. As the US team continues its World Cup run, Piney Point Village residents who are soccer fans may find themselves singing along to the iconic tune, just like the players and fans at the matches. The song's message of longing for a place to belong may resonate with locals who have moved to the Houston area from other parts of the country, and its adoption by the US team serves as a symbol of national pride and unity.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Piney Point 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 KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
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 KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for The Piney Point readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by R.J. Rico, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how The Piney Point selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Piney Point, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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