The summer of 2026 promises to be unforgettable. The FIFA World Cup will again capture the attention of nations and unite communities around a shared love of football. For the church, this is far more than a sporting event. It is a golden missional opportunity – a moment to gather people, build community, open our doors, and intentionally make Jesus known.
As someone who jokes that I am both a football widow and a football wife – married to an Arsenal season ticket holder and surrounded by football-loving boys – I never imagined how deeply football culture would shape our family life, mission and ministry. Years spent on freezing cold sidelines supporting my two sons have drawn us into precious football communities where friendships have grown and honest conversations have opened up about family pressures, grief, loss, hope, faith and beyond. Again and again, football has created natural opportunities to offer encouragement, prayer, bible verses, and something of God’s faithfulness in difficult seasons.
Football has a unique ability to gather people who may otherwise never walk through a church door, and the World Cup multiplies that opportunity on a global scale. Global audiences for the 2026 tournament are projected to approach six billion viewers, while in the UK, almost two-thirds of the population plan to watch. Faith is also increasingly visible within the professional game, with a large and growing number of players openly speaking about how their Christian beliefs shape their lives on and off the pitch.
Graham Daniels, general director of Christians in Sport, says:
“The World Cup is one of the world’s great shared moments. Millions across the UK will watch, talk about, and engage with the tournament. For Christians who love sport, it presents a remarkable opportunity to speak of the even greater news of Jesus Christ. Opportunities like this rarely come by accident – they need to be prayerfully seized.”
People are naturally open to gathering during tournaments like this. Homes fill with friends, communities and churches host watch parties, and workplaces discuss results. Whether people are hoping England finally bring football home or cheering on the nation of their heritage, the World Cup creates a rare sense of collective excitement and belonging.
Ed Jervis from United Christian Broadcasters (UCB) says:
“The World Cup truly brings the world together like no other football tournament. It brings a unique worldwide opportunity to bring Jesus into the conversation. Let’s make the most of the moment!”
This is why the church should see the World Cup not simply as entertainment, but as an opportunity for hospitality, mission, and community engagement. Church halls can become welcoming fan zones, youth groups can invite local teenagers to watch together, and homes can open to neighbours who would never normally attend church.
Football has a unique ability to gather people who may otherwise never walk through a church door, and the World Cup multiplies that opportunity on a global scale”
The beauty of football is that it crosses cultures, generations, languages, and backgrounds. The World Cup reflects the diversity of God’s kingdom – nations, tribes, and tongues gathering together – giving churches a wonderful opportunity to celebrate multicultural community while pointing people toward the greater unity found in Christ.
The opportunity is not only in hosting events, but in creating environments where genuine relationships can flourish. Hospitality opens hearts, shared experiences build trust, and community creates space for meaningful conversations. The church does not need awkward or forced evangelism around football. Instead, we can have fun, listen well, love people deeply, pray and intentionally speak about Jesus authentically when moments arise.
Martin Bateman, CEO of Ambassadors Football, says:
“The World Cup is a God-given mission moment – when billions are watching the same story unfold, the church must be ready to step into the conversation with the hope of Jesus.”
Many people who attend a World Cup watch party at a church may never have considered attending a Sunday service. Yet they may come for football, food, friendship, and fun – and in those spaces encounter Christians who are welcoming, joyful, compassionate, and real. That witness matters enormously.
Dr Rachel Jordan-Wolf, director of Hope Together, says:
“The World Cup is a unique opportunity, and we want every church in the UK to be equipped to make the most of it. Our simple ‘Goal of Life gospel’ helps individuals and local churches to maximise this opportunity.”
As the summer of 2026 approaches, perhaps the invitation to the church is simple: get creative. Open the doors. Put the football on. Invite neighbours, teammates, school parents, colleagues, and friends. Gather in church buildings, gardens, community spaces, and living rooms, and be equipped, intentional and prayerful about making Jesus known.
Because sometimes mission looks less like a programme and more like standing pitchside together, come rain or shine, sharing life honestly, offering hope gently, and reminding people that they are deeply loved by God.
Discover more resources for evangelism here
Goal of Life Gospel
A football-themed Gospel resource that uses stories from the game and the Gospel of Mark to help people explore faith and life’s bigger purpose
