​No, you’re not imagining things: after 2026 World Cup matches, including several United States games, John Denver’s Take Me Home, Country Roads has been sung loudly by fans. But how did this older tune become the tournament’s go-to celebration song? Several accounts suggest FIFA asked participating nations for post-win songs. U.S. Soccer reportedly consulted players and others who proposed Country Roads, along with favorites like Sweet Caroline and Livin’ on a Prayer. Additionally, Yahoo reports that FIFA World Cup chief strategy officer Amy Hopfinger selected it after observing how Oasis’ Wonderwall resonated with England supporters. Christian Pulisic has even been photographed smiling after wins, with the song accompanying celebrations. The track has since been heard at various matches, extending beyond the USMNT victories, and it’s now one of the tunes closely associated with the tournament held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.