Christians in Football: Faith Stories for the 2026 World Cup | Eden.co.uk

Discover how Christian footballers like Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, and Marc Guéhi are sharing their faith at the 2026 World Cup — plus books and Gospel tracts to help your church make the most of this season.

Jesus on the World Cup Stage

They think it’s all over - it is now! Whatever you think of the final result, Spain are now the 2026 World Cup champions, but the real champion of this tournament has been Jesus!

From English and French players coming together to pray after their rollercoaster 6-4 third place decider to Justin Bieber breaking out an acoustic version of his track “Everything Hallelujah” in the final’s half time show, faith was publicly displayed this year.

Faith on the Pitch: England's "Bible Brothers"

There's never been a more visible generation of openly Christian footballers including many in the England team.

Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Marc Guéhi, and Ivan Toney — nicknamed the "Bible brothers" or "God squad" — are known to pray together during international camps. Saka has said he reads his Bible every night and that his faith means he can "go on the pitch and know that God has my back." Eze has pointed skyward after goals, crediting God openly. Guéhi famously wrote "Jesus loves you" over his rainbow armband.

These aren't whispered convictions — they're bold, public declarations of faith from some of the most-watched athletes in the world.

Unmissable World Cup 2026 Moments of Christian Faith

Of course it’s not just the England team who pointed to Jesus in this World Cup - one memorable and beautiful moment was watching Ghana goalkeeper Benjamin Asare gather the entire squad in a circle to give thanks and pray after their 0-0 draw with England.

Prayer gatherings happened between opposing teams, German and Curacao players coming together after the match, The King’s Return movement is gaining traction with footballers are removing a symbolic ‘crown’ from their heads to give the glory to God.

Off the pitch Belgium and Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku thanked God for the arrival of his first child sharing the Bible verse James 1:17 “every good and perfect gift is from above,” with his many followers.

How exciting to see public prayer and faith declarations happening on a global stage in so many of the matches played and no doubt still plenty more to come!

An Opportunity for the Church

The World Cup is one of football's greatest stages, but for Christians it's also a Gospel opportunity. When millions are watching the beautiful game, the stories behind the players — stories of faith, hope, and purpose — become powerful conversation starters.

Eden's Christians in Football collection brings together faith-filled books perfect for this season.

Books worth picking up:

A Greater Glory: From Pitch to Pulpit by Gavin Peacock — the former Chelsea midfielder's compelling journey from professional football to Christian ministry.
Thank God for Football! by Peter Lupson — tracing the remarkable Christian roots of the beautiful game itself.
Cross the Line by Ollie Baines & Liam Flint — a moving story of faith, identity, and courage.
Keeping Faith in the Team by Stuart Wood — personal testimony from within the football world.
Want something for children? Check out Toward the Goal - Kaka’s story, Brazilian footballer and a former FIFA World Player of the Year.

Outreach Tracts for Church Events & Screenings

If your church is hosting a World Cup screening, these brilliant, low-cost tracts are designed to share the hope of the Gospel in a relevant and accessible way.