Major League Soccer

·24 June 2026

By Charles Boehm

LAGUNA NIGUEL, California – Among the many compelling stories surrounding the United States Men’s National Team’s (USMNT) thrilling journey at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the way Mauricio Pochettino has embraced his adopted nation’s culture stands out as one of the most intriguing.

“I like country music now,” said the Argentine head coach of the USMNT during a media interaction at the team’s seaside hotel in Southern California on Tuesday night. “We are very fond of country music. Also, Teddy Swims — I really love Teddy Swims and his song ‘Bad Dreams.’”

Pochettino’s American immersion, it appears, now comes with its own soundtrack. Earlier that day, he had shared a video featuring Nashville singer Lainey Wilson’s music playing during a training session, captioned “American vibes.”

He is, however, quite discerning in his choices.

“Ella Langley,” he added, naming another rising artist on his summer playlist, “but she was with the British guys” — referring to England’s Harry Kane and teammates attending one of Langley’s shows at their World Cup base in Kansas City.

The most viral of these cultural moments came after the USMNT’s 2-0 victory over Australia in Seattle on Friday. As the players celebrated, John Denver’s classic ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’ filled the stadium, prompting an impromptu singalong with fans — a unifying moment that spread rapidly online.

“These are my brothers,” said defender Chris Richards, a product of the FC Dallas academy. “All of us know that part of being American is knowing 'Country Roads,' so we were all singing it together.

“It was amazing to hear the crowd. They’ve been our 12th man throughout this tournament. Whenever we need that extra one percent, they’re always there for us. It’s been incredible.”

For a national team eager to energise its fan base and expand football’s reach across the country, the moment felt like capturing lightning in a bottle.

“It’s about being proud of the country,” said Philadelphia Union graduate Auston Trusty after the match. “‘Country Roads’ is such an American song, and to hear it echoing through the stadium with everyone singing? If you’re American, you probably know it. Everyone’s singing, celebrating, smiling — it’s something special with your teammates.

“It’s a dream come true. It’s a feeling that’s hard to put into words.”

The rousing chorus may have even rivalled the pre-match national anthem in volume — a credit to Amy Hopfinger, a longtime U.S. Soccer executive who now serves as FIFA’s chief strategy and planning officer for this World Cup.

It was Hopfinger who ensured that ‘Country Roads’ appeared on the USMNT’s official playlist submitted to FIFA, alongside Bon Jovi’s ‘Livin’ on a Prayer.’ She had been inspired by England’s use of Oasis’ ‘Wonderwall’ to unite players and fans after their win over Croatia — a song that Major League Soccer followers will recognise as a Minnesota United FC anthem.

‘Livin’ on a Prayer’ also got both American and Australian fans singing along during a hydration break and after the final whistle, though it didn’t quite match the emotional punch of ‘Country Roads.’

“Of course, that’s a song that I think everyone knows,” said winger Alejandro Zendejas. “And if you don’t, you should learn the lyrics. It’s a really good song.

“I’m sure we’ll play it again this week.”

There’s a touch of irony, given that West Virginia — the state immortalised in Denver’s song — has never produced a USMNT player. Yet the tune’s newfound football significance has stirred pride among West Virginians. Interestingly, the song was originally inspired by a drive through rural Maryland, just outside Washington, D.C., by co-writers Bill Danoff and Taffy Nivert.

Its universal appeal has made it a global favourite for decades, even finding a place in Manchester United’s traditions.

“Yeah, that song’s famous all over the world,” said striker Folarin Balogun, who grew up in England and represents the USA.

His teammate Sergiño Dest, of Dutch-Surinamese-American heritage, added on Wednesday: “It’s a beautiful song. It really fits the moment. After the game, it was great to see everyone singing, and we play it a lot in the dressing room too.”

Several players have spoken about how Pochettino has encouraged them to embrace elements of American culture to strengthen their national identity — motivating them to seize the opportunity of hosting a World Cup, much like previous generations did during major moments in American history.

“American culture is very unique,” said captain Christian Pulisic with a grin. “Sometimes someone will say something super American in a meeting, and he’ll be like, ‘huh,’ and it’s just hilarious. He’s really tuned into it.

“The other day I was in his office, and he was listening to country music. It’s funny to see, but he also shares his Argentinian culture with us. It’s a special bond that makes this group unique.”

Pochettino believes this cultural connection can unite football fans across the vast nation — even in places where the sport has yet to fully take root. He recalled attending a major college football match last autumn, where he witnessed the passion he hopes to channel into soccer.

“We were in Columbus watching Ohio State against Texas; there were 70,000 fans there. My question was, why not? If they have that level of passion, why can’t they bring it to soccer?” he said on Tuesday, seated before a wall emblazoned with his campaign motto, ‘WHY NOT U.S.?’

“If they support us with that same energy, it’s massive — so powerful for the players. And now we’re starting to achieve that. It’s incredible, and it changes the game in a way.”

He added, “Why not be part of something that creates a legacy? The real legacy is the connection between the national team and the fans. That, to me, is what matters most. Of course, we want to win the World Cup — but building that connection is the legacy we truly need.”