What do the World Cup and the Church have in common?
Turmoil is a constant experience of the human condition. Division seems to be the perpetual state of our nation, the state of our world. But there is always something that can connect us. This summer, the biggest sporting tournament in the world has come to North America. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is in full swing, and players and fans are having the time of their life.
How does this global competition relate to Christianity and the worldwide church?
For one, both have the uncanny ability to unite people from vastly different cultures. There are countless videos circulating online of international fans having uniquely American experiences while visiting the US for the tournament, and they’re absolutely loving it. English visitors are freaking out over the raw meat portions available in Walmart, Japanese guests are blown away by the free chips and salsa at Mexican restaurants, and German tourists are listening to country music nonstop. Furthermore, fans from rival teams (like Japan and the Netherlands) are jumping at the opportunity to chat with each other, bonding over their love for the sport, and even complimenting each other’s jerseys. What does this sound like? “There is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male and female; since you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).
The World Cup unites. The church unites.
Fans of the World Cup immediately have something in common, regardless of which team they support. They can chat about the games they have attended, the teams they follow, and their general thoughts on the two-month competition. This experience is remarkably similar to the Christian life. When I was in England for a summer, I went to an incredible Presbyterian church right on the River Tyne called All-Saints. A woman there made a point to take me in as one of her own, and she told me something I’ll never forget. She said, “Isn’t it incredible how believers all over the world immediately have common ground?” I’ve found this to be profoundly true. Whenever I meet a believer, regardless of where I am in the world, it’s as if the ice melts and we can talk about our relationship with Jesus and how he is working in our lives.
Likewise, fans of the World Cup rejoice together and mourn together. When their team wins, the fan standing next to them shares their joy. When their team loses, the only people more heartbroken than their fellow fans are the players on the field. As a part of the Christian body, this sense of community is something we understand deeply. Romans 12:15 says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.” Again, 1 Corinthians 12:26 states, “So if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.”
Perhaps most astounding and powerful is the fact that both World Cup fans (especially when their team wins) and Christians have abundant joy. Even fans of losing teams can enjoy spending a beautiful day at the pitch. For 90 minutes (plus stoppage time), soccer fans feel like they belong among the cheers of the stadium.
Jesus offers this joy and sense of belonging to a much greater degree, a type of joy and belonging that exists even in the face of persecution and death. Scripture is full of examples of people rejoicing in the Lord no matter their circumstances. Psalm 16:11 sings, “You reveal the path of life to me; in your presence is abundant joy; at your right hand are eternal pleasures.” In Christ we can find joy for eternity. In fact, rejoicing is a command. 1 Thessalonians 5:16 says, “Rejoice always . . .” Finally, Isaiah 51:11 promises, “And the ransomed of the Lord will return and come to Zion with singing, crowned with unending joy. Joy and gladness will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee.”
There are tastes of heaven everywhere you look, if you would only open your eyes.
