Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jun 20
US Men Belt 'Country Roads' After 1-0 Australia Win, Rallying Seattle World Cup Crowd
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jun 20

US Men Belt 'Country Roads' After 1-0 Australia Win, Rallying Seattle World Cup Crowd

3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jun 20

Summary

  • Lumen Field turned into a singalong after the United States beat Australia 1-0 on Friday, with players and fans joining John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” during the postmatch lap.
  • Seattle’s choice stood out from the tournament’s usual in-stadium soundtrack and quickly landed as a natural anthem for the co-hosts, with the crowd singing in unison and players lingering to clap along.
  • Auston Trusty, speaking an hour after his World Cup debut, said the team’s focus is to “inspire the next generation” by controlling what it does on the pitch rather than wading into divisive politics.
  • For a US side heading back to California for its next game, the scene reinforced a broader image of a team trying to build support through joy, belonging and a fanbase that is still growing.

Insights

Can a country song truly unite the diverse melting pot of American soccer fans?
Is a 'vibe-fueled' culture enough to build a lasting legacy for U.S. Soccer?
With World Cup costs soaring, can host cities deliver for fans without facing financial ruin?