Starting the Conversation – World Cup of Faith

By Kirby Maus 

The 2026 FIFA World Cup could become more than the largest sporting event in history—it could become a World Cup of Faith… With billions watching worldwide, soccer continues to unite people across every nation, language, and culture… The world’s greatest sporting stage is becoming a place where faith, spirituality, and conversations about purpose are taking center stage…

Jesus, the Bible, and the church have faced decades of cultural criticism, changing values, and public debate… Yet faith continues to find a voice through athletes, coaches, and fans who openly pray, give thanks to God, and share their beliefs before a global audience… Many teams and players are expressing their freedom of faith and religion before, during, and after games through prayer, gratitude, and personal testimony…

Soccer is the world’s game… In America, the sport has grown from AYSO fields to high school, college, professional men’s and women’s leagues, the Olympics, and now the World Cup… The Phoenix area reflects soccer’s growth through Phoenix Rising FC, Arizona State University, Grand Canyon University, and youth programs inspiring future generations… The beautiful game teaches lessons beyond the pitch… Teamwork… sacrifice… discipline… perseverance… humility… and overcoming adversity are principles that connect sports and faith…

A red card reminds us that choices have consequences… An offside call reminds us that moving ahead of God’s timing can change the outcome… A banana kick shows that a perfectly curved shot around defenders and into the goal can represent how God works through unexpected paths and creates victories we never saw coming…

Spirituality remains a key component of mental health… Faith can provide hope during adversity, peace during uncertainty, and purpose during difficult seasons of life… Books such as The Christian Athlete, Playing with Purpose, and Game Plan for Life explore the connection between competition, character, and belief… As billions watch the 2026 World Cup, perhaps the greatest victory will be discovering faith, hope, and purpose beyond the final whistle… 

Kirby Maus is a former broadcast journalist and sports anchor/reporter with 15 years of television experience in 5 markets, including Phoenix… He is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Board Certified Chaplain-Candidate… Kirby writes with Three-Dot Thoughts… just like Brad… connecting sports, relationships, mental health, human performance, and meaning-making… He believes spirituality is a vital component of mental health and that life’s greatest victories are measured far beyond the final score...