Every four years, the FIFA World Cup unites the world in a way few events can.
Families gather around television screens, friends proudly wear their national colours, and millions of supporters travel across continents to celebrate their love for football. It’s a tournament that brings together people from different cultures, languages and backgrounds through a shared passion for the beautiful game.
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup takes centre stage across the United States, Canada and Mexico, another remarkable movement is taking place alongside the football.
Bible societies, churches and Christian ministries are preparing to welcome fans from around the world—not only with hospitality and friendship, but also with the message of Jesus Christ.
Rather than competing with the excitement of the tournament, these organisations are embracing it as a unique opportunity to connect with people who may never otherwise walk into a church. With billions expected to follow the competition and supporters travelling from every corner of the globe, many Christian leaders believe the World Cup presents one of the greatest opportunities for evangelism in recent years.
In the United States, the American Bible Society has introduced the Youth Sports New Testament, a Bible resource designed specifically for young athletes, coaches, parents and team leaders. The publication combines Scripture with lessons on leadership, perseverance, teamwork and discipline, helping readers discover how biblical values can shape both sport and everyday life.
Youth Sports New Testament
Meanwhile, in Mexico, the Mexican Bible Society, together with evangelical churches and ministries, has developed a football-themed evangelistic booklet titled Determined to Do What Is Right! Thousands of copies are expected to be distributed throughout the tournament, creating opportunities for meaningful conversations about faith while welcoming visitors from around the world.
Canada is also contributing to the outreach through a 30-Day FIFA World Cup Devotional, encouraging football fans to journey through daily Bible readings, reflections and prayers inspired by the tournament. Each devotional connects the excitement of football with timeless biblical truths about hope, unity, perseverance and trusting God.
30-Day FIFA World Cup Devotional
Another initiative, known as the Bible World Cup Journey, is inviting Christians across the globe to pray daily for the nations participating in the tournament. Churches, families and youth groups are using the World Cup as an opportunity to pray for players, supporters and countries represented on football’s biggest stage.
What makes these efforts especially meaningful is that they are built around service rather than spectacle.
Churches are preparing to welcome international visitors, volunteers are making themselves available to answer questions about the Christian faith, and believers are using the universal language of football to build genuine friendships with people from many different cultures.
Throughout history, major sporting events have brought people together. For many Christian organisations, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is another opportunity to demonstrate God’s love through hospitality, conversation and the sharing of Scripture.
When the final whistle blows and a new world champion is crowned, millions will remember the goals, the celebrations and the unforgettable moments on the pitch.
For those involved in these outreach efforts, however, there is another hope—that somewhere during the tournament, a conversation begins, a Bible is opened, a prayer is offered, and a life is changed.
In that sense, the World Cup is becoming more than a celebration of football. It is also becoming an opportunity for the Gospel to reach people from every nation gathered in one place.
