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‘Country Roads' is taking the World Cup by storm
By Angela Yang | NBC News at NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC)
· June 22, 2026
· 1 min read
World Cup fans were united this weekend by a song synonymous with belonging, nostalgia and the yearning for home.
John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” is enjoying a new wave of popularity as its singalong chorus becomes a staple among soccer fans nationwide.
U.S. Soccer officials sel...
Key takeaway John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” is enjoying a new wave of popularity as its singalong chorus becomes a staple among soccer fans nationwide.
Why this matters in The San Francisco
As the World Cup brings international attention to the US, San Francisco 's own diverse community is likely to be swept up in the excitement. The city's vibrant cultural scene, shaped by its history of immigration and exchange, makes it a natural fit for the global fervor surrounding the tournament. The adoption of "Take Me Home, Country Roads" as a post-match celebration tune may resonate particularly with San Francisco's own expat communities, who can relate to the song's themes of nostalgia and belonging. As fans from around the world gather in cities across the US, including potentially in the Bay Area, San Francisco's residents may find themselves connecting with fellow soccer enthusiasts over the iconic song, forging new bonds and celebrating their shared love of the sport. The song's popularity could also spill over into local sports bars and gathering spots, adding to the city's lively atmosphere.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) . The San Francisco 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 NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 22, 2026 ·
Source: NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? World Cup fans were united this weekend by a song synonymous with belonging, nostalgia and the yearning for home.
John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” is enjoying a new wave of popularity as its singalong chorus becomes a staple among soccer fans nationwide.
U.S. Soccer officials sel...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 22, 2026 by NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) and curated for The San Francisco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Angela Yang | NBC News at NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC). To learn more about how The San Francisco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Francisco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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