Soccer teams and supporters from across the globe are descending on 16 cities across the United States, Canada and Mexico as the expanded 48-team FIFA men's World Cup is set to begin June 11.
While millions focus on the pitch, a large coalition of churches and evangelical organizations views the tournament as a historic opportunity to share the gospel. Operating under the banner Nations United, an initiative launched through the North American Sport Movement in 2020, the coalition is mobilizing local congregations to use the tournament as an opportunity for evangelism.
The organization's website offers custom resources to help local churches launch sports-centered community outreach, hospitality initiatives and local viewing parties.
Dan Williams, a leader and mentor with Nations United, anticipates a highly coordinated evangelistic strategy as churches and mission organizations unite for the monthlong event.
“We are collaborating with several cities across North America that are launching their initiatives,” Williams said, noting that the next two weeks will be critical as local teams activate their plans.
In Georgia, an outreach team will soon travel statewide to assist local congregations. The Georgia Baptist Mission Board, which represents 5,000 Southern Baptist churches, adapted the coalition's materials to launch its own "Mission Georgia World Cup Outreach" with full backing from Nations United.
“Nations United exists to unite and equip the Church across North America to make disciples among the nations through sport, play, hospitality and community outreach,” Williams said.
“With the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics coming to our region, we believe God has placed a historic opportunity at our door. The nations are no longer only across the world; they are across the street.”
Williams explained that the long-term vision requires churches, ministries and local leaders to build sustainable "disciple-making teams" across all three host nations.
“These teams will use major sports events as a bridge to build relationships, proclaim the Gospel, serve communities and create ongoing pathways for people to follow Jesus,” Williams said. “The World Cup is a moment. Disciple-making is the mission.”
Early results are already emerging. Last weekend, a citywide initiative called Winning Houston launched a "Cup of Nations" tournament, an outreach event influenced by Nations United that featured what organizers described as the world's largest soccer goal.
The movement’s footprint also extends far beyond North America. Williams is also supporting two Christian radio stations in South Africa by developing a 39-day World Cup content plan featuring athlete testimonies, ministry stories and outreach resources.
Other organizations, such as the ministry Victory: Beyond the Cup, drew inspiration from the Nations United framework but chose to operate independently rather than formally aligning with the coalition. Williams welcomes the widespread, organic adoption of the strategy.
“We consider it a privilege to have helped them move forward,” Williams said. “We are not looking for recognition; we are seeking disciple-making multiplication. We believe that all these experiences in 2026 are preparing us for 2028 as we seek to accomplish our vision as Nations United.”
