Ella Langley’s incredible rise has officially reached one of the world’s biggest sporting stages. Her record breaking smash “Choosin’ Texas” is no longer just dominating the Billboard Hot 100. It is now echoing through the FIFA World Cup as the U.S. Men’s National Team celebrated one of its biggest victories of the tournament with the country anthem that has captured listeners everywhere.
Following the United States’ thrilling win over Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1 to secure a place in the Round of 16, the celebration continued long after the final whistle. As the players boarded their team bus, Weston McKennie turned up “Choosin’ Texas” on a Bluetooth speaker and began recording the unforgettable moment. He proudly sang along while teammates Tyler Adams, Antonee Robinson, and Christian Pulisic joined in, creating a celebration that quickly caught the attention of both soccer and country music fans.
The song’s growing influence comes as “Choosin’ Texas” continues its historic run atop the Billboard Hot 100. The chart topping hit has reclaimed the number one position for an incredible eleventh week, setting a new record for the longest running number one by a female artist with a country hit. What began as a country sensation has evolved into a worldwide anthem that continues to break barriers far beyond the music industry.
Its impact has stretched even further across the World Cup. British commentator Sam Matterface recently surprised viewers by weaving lyrics from “Choosin’ Texas” into his live broadcast during England’s match against Croatia, delivering the playful reference after Marcus Rashford scored the decisive goal. It was another sign that Langley’s biggest hit has become part of the tournament’s culture.
Country music itself has found an unexpected spotlight throughout the World Cup. Fans from around the globe have been embracing the genre, including a German tourist named Freddy, whose enthusiastic reaction after discovering Ella Langley’s music on a local radio station quickly went viral. After hearing about the moment, Langley personally invited him to attend one of her concerts and meet her backstage, creating another memorable connection between her music and an international audience.
Meanwhile, John Denver’s timeless classic “Take Me Home, Country Roads” has become the unofficial soundtrack of the tournament, with supporters from multiple nations singing it inside stadiums, in bars, on buses, and throughout their travels.
From topping the Billboard charts to becoming the soundtrack of unforgettable World Cup celebrations, Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” has grown into something much bigger than a hit song. It has become a global phenomenon, proving that great country music can unite fans across continents, cultures, and even the world’s biggest sporting event.