Bosnia and Herzegovina World Cup song: Inside the catchy 'Take me to America' rock anthem lyrics

Bosnia and Herzegovina World Cup song: Inside the catchy ‘Take me to America’ rock anthem lyrics originally appeared on The Sporting News.
Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

There’s a new song making waves across the United States during the 2026 World Cup. It happens to hail from Bosnia and Herzegovina, the site of one of the tournament’s greatest fairy tales.

The Dragons have enjoyed a historic run through the tournament, recording their first win and advancing to the knockout stages for the first time since becoming an independent nation. Those who have led the side — from captain Edin Dzeko to precocious youngsters Esmir Bajraktarevic and Kerim Alajbegovic — have become national icons. They’ve also helped inspire a track that has, in some ways, come to define the country, its supporters and its view of the United States — warts and all.

Odds are you’ve heard the famous chorus to “USA”, the Bosnian song that pokes fun at the “American Dream.” Here’s what you need to know about the track’s connection to Bosnia’s national team and the fans embracing it.

2026 WORLD CUP HQ:Latest World Cup news | Full World Cup schedule | Buy World Cup tickets

Inside Bosnia and Herzegovina’s World Cup song

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s return to the World Cup was accompanied by an ear-worm of a track. Bosnia band Dubioza Kolektiv released “USA” — marked by its famed chorus, “I am from Bosnia; take me to America” in 2011. 15 years on, its sound lingers, taking hold of the raucous Bosnian and Herzegovinian fanbase as it sweeps across colosseums across the United States.

The track is actually satirical, highlighting the inequities present in U.S. society, particularly for immigrants. It has been shaped by its environment, however; for traveling Bosnian supporters, the song has come to be a reflection of the nascent nation’s dreams of footballing glory.

 “It evolved from this satirical take on immigration and (the) American Dream and it was translated into (an) American football dream for the entire nation,” said Vedran Mujagic, Dubioza Kolektiv’s bassist (per AP).

The track, now named after its famous opening line, has accumulated 5 million views on YouTube since its re-release in May 2026.

It has also caught the ear of some noteworthy admirers, including footballing luminaries Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thierry Henry.

We got Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimovic singing “I’m from Bosnia take me to America!”🇧🇦😅 #FIFAWorldCuppic.twitter.com/51CGZuwVdc

— Bosnian Football (@BosniaNTBall) June 12, 2026

More importantly, however, the ditty has served as a rallying cry for the Dragons and their fanbase — already in the midst of their greatest run as an independent nation.

“First, it was working as a joke, but what I like the most is the supporters kind of loaded completely new meaning to the old song, and this is the best thing for the band or for the song: when people take over and load new meaning and then it becomes theirs,” keyboardist Brano Jakubovic told the Associated Press. “It’s not ours anymore.”

MORE:Expert World Cup Round of 32 predictions

‘Take me to America’ lyrics in English

[Chorus]I am from Bosnia, take me to America
I really want to see Statue of Liberty
I can no longer wait, take me to United States
Take me to Golden Gate, I will assimilate

[Post-Chorus](Opa)

[Verse 1]The grass is always greener in neighbour’s courtyard
I wish to leave this nightmare, go to the promised land
Please, take me to your leader, I want my green card

I want to fly over like a rocket from the Balkans
I want to start all over, and turn a new page
Forget this dreadful story, escape the Stone Age
I’m waiting for a chance to get out of the cage
I feel like a slave on a minimal wage

[Chorus]I am from Bosnia, take me to America
I really want to see Statue of Liberty
I can no longer wait, take me to United States
Take me to Golden Gate, I will assimilate

[Post-Chorus]One day, when you reach the end
One day, you will understand
One day, back to roots my friend
No place like a motherland
One day, when you reach the end
One day, you will understand
One day, back to roots my friend
No place like a motherland

[Verse 2]I hoped I’d find what I need and be free like a bird
Now we pushed in a ghetto like a sheep in a herd
All the promises I heard, became empty words
Completely disconnected from the rest of the world
The grass is never greener in neighbour’s courtyard
I want to start all over, return to no man’s land
Send greetings to your leader, don’t want your green card
I want to fly back like a rocket to the Balkans

[Chorus]I am from Bosnia, take me to America
I really want to see Statue of Liberty
I can no longer wait, take me to United States
Take me to Golden Gate, I will assimilate

[Post-Chorus]One day, when you reach the end
One day, you will understand
One day, back to roots my friend
No place like a motherland

Read More