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Faith and FIFA: Religion at the World Cup

July 11, 2026 · 1 min read

Have you noticed how faith and belief have been showing up on one of the biggest stages in sports? From prayer circles to Islamic sujood, religion is shining bright at the World Cup. Religion News Service’s Madhiha Anis wrote about the various expressions of faith and belief on the global stage in an article headlined “From Christian Prayer Circles to Sujood, Religion Is All Over the 2026 World Cup.” She joins host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush to explore her observations.

It’s striking how these rituals aren’t just rituals—they’re powerfully real expressions of identity and hope. It’s a reminder that behind every goal, there’s a person carrying their beliefs, their culture, their whole self into the match.

Also with us: RNS National Reporter Jack Jenkins , with his take on the Cup as well as how religion is influencing our political debates, particularly around the anniversary of America’s 250th year and during midterm elections.

Source: Religion News Service · Read the full story →

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Πέτρος Σταθόπουλος

However, I was impressed that they mention the prostrations together with the prayers of the Christians. In the end, the football player making the cross or falling in prayer shows exactly what the article says: it is not just a ritual, it is part of the person himself on the field. Interesting how they see it on the other side of the Atlantic.

James Evans

Yeah, that bit about putting sujood right next to the Christian guys crossing themselves caught my eye too. Makes sense though — whether it’s a quick prayer before kickoff or dropping to the turf after a goal, it’s the same thing: these players are bringing who they really are onto the pitch, not just putting on a show. Nice to see the article call that out instead of treating it like window dressing.

Григорий Белов

It’s still interesting that they put the essence of jud on a par with the sign of the cross. Here in Rostov, too, many people cross themselves after a goal, but this is not about the show, it’s just a habit, like a grandmother’s in church. But what it looks like in such a huge stadium is another matter.

Ana Matei

Likewise here, after a good goal, many in the church choir quickly bow with the cross, as if giving thanks at home. I liked what Grigorie said about the custom in Rostov, it's similar to what our boys do in Sibiu after a match at the Municipal stadium. It's not a show, it's just their way of being.