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Christians in Football: Faith on the World Cup Stage

Celebrating the bold faith of England's Christian footballers heading into the 2026 World Cup — and how your church can use this moment to share the gospel.

Anna Hockley

By Anna Hockley - Eden Christian Books Specialist

Estimated Read Time: 2 minutes

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

As the 2026 World Cup in North America kicks off, there's never been a more visible generation of openly Christian footballers representing England.

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.

A Moment 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.

Browse the full collection at eden.co.uk/christians-in-football