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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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💬 Comments (4) 🌐 Translate comments

Πέτρος Σταθόπουλος

Πάντως μου έκανε εντύπωση που αναφέρουν και τα σουτζούντ μαζί με τις προσευχές των χριστιανών. Στο τέλος, ο ποδοσφαιριστής που κάνει το σταυρό του ή πέφτει στην προσευχή δείχνει ακριβώς αυτό που λέει το άρθρο: δεν είναι μόνο τελετουργία, είναι κομμάτι του ίδιου του ανθρώπου μέσα στο γήπεδο. Ενδιαφέρον πώς το βλέπουν και από την άλλη πλευρά του Ατλαντικού.

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

Всё равно интересно, что они ставят сутьжуд в один ряд с крестным знамением. У нас в Ростове после гола тоже многие крестятся, но это не про шоу, а просто привычка, как у бабушки в храме. А вот как это выглядит на таком огромном стадионе — уже другой разговор.

Ana Matei

La fel și la noi, după un gol bun, mulți din corul bisericii se închină repede cu cruce, ca și cum ar mulțumi acasă. Mi-a plăcut ce zice Grigorie despre obișnuința din Rostov, seamănă cu ce fac băieții noștri la Sibiu după un meci la stadionul Municipal. Nu e spectacol, e doar felul lor de a fi.