Bible Societies around the World Are Turning the 2026 World Cup into a Moment for God's Word - United Bible Societies

June 23, 2026

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As millions of people around the world gather to follow one of the biggest sporting events on the planet, Bible Societies are finding creative ways to connect people with Scripture through the universal language of sport.

Across six continents, more than 30 initiatives have been launched by Bible Societies, ranging from devotionals and Scripture resources to children’s programmes, digital campaigns, community outreach and humanitarian initiatives. Together, these efforts are helping people engage with God’s Word and encounter the Christian message during a season that captures global attention. 

A Global Campaign Connecting Sport and Scripture

One of the most significant initiatives during this tournament season is a collaborative campaign involving 18 Bible Societies from around the world.

Together, they are sharing daily devotionals, prayer points and stories of Bible ministry connected to participating nations. Available in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese, the campaign invites football fans and supporters of Bible mission alike to engage with God’s Word throughout the tournament.

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The initiative reflects the strength of the global Bible Society Fellowship, bringing together diverse ministries around a shared commitment to make Scripture available, accessible and relevant to people everywhere.

Participating Bible Societies include those in Argentina, Benin, Brazil, Burundi, Canada, Colombia, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Ecuador, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, the Philippines, Rwanda, Tanzania, the United States and Zambia.

Explore the campaign and access the resources at biblesports.org.

Bible Societies Engaging Communities through Sport

Several Bible Societies are also contextualising Bible engagement for local audiences in creative and meaningful ways.

In Canada, the Canadian Bible Society has released a football-themed devotional reading plan that uses sporting illustrations to explore biblical truths about faith, perseverance and purpose. Scripture resources have also been made available for international audiences through partnerships with ministries and churches.

In the United States, the American Bible Society has promoted Youth Sports, a New Testament designed for young people who are passionate about sports. The resource combines Scripture with stories from young athletes around the world and presents the message of Jesus in a way that connects with young readers. An English edition is currently available, with a Spanish edition in development. 

In Mexico, the Bible Society of Mexico has developed evangelistic materials and is working with churches and Christian ministries to share them in host cities. Weekly social media content highlights biblical figures whose lives demonstrate courage, faith and leadership.

The Scottish Bible Society has been publishing daily content highlighting participating nations, their churches and Bible ministry, while encouraging Christians around the world to pray for the countries involved in the tournament. 

The Bible Society of Guatemala has launched a social media campaign and podcast exploring the relationship between sport and faith, while inviting Bible Societies across the Fellowship to participate by introducing their national teams and ministries. 

The Bible Society of Brazil has launched the On the Road to Victory Bible, inspired by the world of football and designed to bring more people to the Word of God in a clear and meaningful way. 

In Kenya, the Bible Society of Kenya has launched a Bible engagement campaign that brings together youth leaders and pastors. Through sports-themed resources, prayer activities and Scripture-based discussions, young people are being encouraged to deepen their relationship with God.

Meanwhile, the Bible Society in the Dutch Caribbean has distributed Bibles to members of the Curaçao national football team following the country’s historic qualification for the tournament. 

In Argentina, the Argentine Bible Society has developed The Match of Your Life, a resource that helps churches and families share the Gospel with children through Bible lessons, activities and Scripture memory. 

In Jordan, the Bible Society of Jordan has launched an initiative to support children in remote areas of the northeastern Badia by providing national team jerseys, sports shoes and footballs. The programme enables children to participate in a national moment that unites Jordanians while supporting their development, encouraging participation in sport and creating opportunities for children in underserved communities. The initiative forms part of the Bible Society’s wider community and humanitarian programmes.

Many other Bible Societies have joined the effort by producing digital content, sharing biblical reflections, encouraging prayer and creating opportunities for people to encounter Scripture during the tournament season.

For example, the Colombian Bible Society has been sharing football-themed biblical reflections on social media, while the Peruvian Bible Society has used TikTok to engage audiences with World Cup-inspired content rooted in Scripture. 

A Shared Mission

These initiatives demonstrate how Bible Societies continue to respond creatively to cultural moments, meeting people where they are and inviting them to discover the hope found in Scripture.

Whether through Scripture engagement, children’s ministry, community outreach, prayer initiatives or humanitarian support, Bible Societies are using this global sporting season as an opportunity to serve communities and share the message of God’s Word.