By Sharon Higgins
The FIFA World Cup is often described as the world’s biggest sporting event. Yet alongside the football, another message was seen on pitches around North America: the public witness of Christian faith.
Hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, the tournament brought together 48 nations, making it the largest FIFA World Cup in history. Thousands of supporters travelled across North America, while billions of people followed the matches through television, radio and digital media. FIFA estimated that the tournament reached a worldwide audience of several billion viewers, making it one of the most watched events on Earth. The 2026 tournament provided an unprecedented opportunity for the Gospel to be visible before a global audience.
For Christians, the World Cup was a reminder that sport can become a platform for testimony, fellowship and the visible expression of faith. Throughout the tournament, players from different nations were seen praying before matches, giving thanks after victories, encouraging one another, and openly speaking about their relationship with God. These moments were broadcast around the world, crossing cultural, political and religious boundaries.
Many of the competing nations have very small Christian populations or are nations where believers face discrimination or persecution. These include Algeria, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Türkiye (Turkey), Uzbekistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, DR Congo and Senegal. These countries have Muslim-majority populations ranging between 52.3% and 91.9% (according to Joshua Project), in which Christians face varying degrees of social pressure, legal restrictions or persecution. Yet during the World Cup, players, officials and supporters from these nations witnessed fellow athletes openly praying before matches, giving thanks to God after victories, and speaking publicly about their faith in Jesus. American captain Christian Pulisic and several teammates continued their practice of Bible studies and public prayer, while players from Croatia, Germany, Curaçao and other nations also spoke openly about their faith throughout the tournament.
The global Church today consists of approximately 2.3 billion Christians, representing nearly 29% of the world’s population. At the same time, more than 360 million Christians worldwide experience high levels of persecution or discrimination because of their faith. The World Cup therefore served as a powerful reminder that believers can come from every nation and background, united in Christ despite differing cultures and circumstances. From players in Europe and Latin America to believers in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, followers of Jesus were represented among the competing teams. In Iraq, for example, Christians make up less than one per cent of the population, yet several members of the national football squad identified as Christians. Their presence was a visible testimony that God continues to build His Church, even in difficult places.
Scripture reminds us that God’s heart has always been for all peoples and nations. Revelation 7:9 gives a beautiful picture of the future: “After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.”
Events such as the World Cup provide a small glimpse of this reality. People from across the world gather together, and Christians can be Christ’s ambassadors and do as He declared: “Go and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19). They have opportunities to reflect the love, grace and truth of Christ in practical ways. Whether through acts of kindness, conversations, Christian pastoral care, public prayer or personal witness, the Gospel crosses borders and touches lives.
As the tournament came to a close on 19 July 2026, we extend our congratulations to Spain for winning the FIFA World Cup 2026. Their achievement reflects dedication, teamwork and perseverance, qualities that remind us of the importance of running our own race of faith with endurance and keeping our eyes fixed on Christ.
The World Cup trophy will one day fade, but the Kingdom of God endures forever, and the greatest victory is knowing Christ. May this tournament remind believers around the world to pray for the nations, support Gospel work among all peoples, and seize every opportunity to share the hope found in Jesus Christ.
World Cup 2026: Key Statistics
● 48 nations participated – the largest World Cup ever.
● 3 host nations: United States, Canada and Mexico.
● Approximately 2.3 billion Christians worldwide (around 29% of the global population).
● More than 360 million Christians experience high levels of persecution or discrimination.
● 13–14 Muslim-majority nations participated in the tournament.
● Billions of viewers watched matches worldwide.
● Players from numerous nations were seen praying publicly before and after games.
Please join us in prayer:
1. Pray for the nations represented at the World Cup.
May God continue drawing people from every tribe, language and nation to Himself. Pray that seeds of faith planted through the witness of Christian players, pastors and supporters would bear fruit, especially in countries where Christians are few in number or face restrictions.
2. Pray for Christians living in nations where the Gospel is difficult to share.
As Christians, may we be encouraged to intercede for believers in countries such as Iran, Iraq, Algeria, Saudi Arabia and other places where Christians face pressure or persecution. Pray for courage, protection, spiritual growth and opportunities for the Church to shine brightly in challenging circumstances.
3. Pray for Christian athletes and sports ministries worldwide.
May our Father strengthen Christian footballers, coaches, pastors and ministries that use sport as a platform for the Gospel. Pray that they would remain faithful witnesses, displaying humility, integrity and the love of Christ both on and off the field.
