The FIFA World Cup is back, and it’s bigger than ever. Four years after Argentina outlasted France to win the world’s top soccer competition, the 2026 tournament will feature a record 48 countries squaring off in 104 matches, which will span three nations over more than a month.
The United States will do the bulk of the hosting, alongside Canada and Mexico, with Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia among 16 cities slated for games.
Christian faith will also be well represented—both on and beyond the US men’s national team—during the global championship, which begins June 11 and concludes July 19 in New Jersey. Here are 14 of the World Cup’s most recognizable talents who also identify as believers, publicly expressing their trust in God both on and off the pitch:
Jérémy Doku (Belgium)
A 23-year-old Manchester City star, Doku hardly shares a single social media post without including Scripture or deferring praise to Jesus. The fast-dribbling winger emphasizes his spiritual walk on his own YouTube channel, sharing the “truth that opened my eyes” and revealing he’s gone from wanting to showcase his own talent to glorifying God with his gifts. He also challenges his fans and peers to accept the gospel: “Your status is not gonna save you. The money is not gonna save you. … My goal is, [Jesus] tells me, ‘Well done, good servant.’”
Dodi Lukébakio (Belgium)
Ten years after making his international debut with DR Congo at age 18, Lukébakio will make his World Cup entrance as a left-footed winger for Belgium’s attack. Gospel music headlines his pre-game playlist, he says, because, it “influences my spirit” and points to “God living in me” as a follower of Christ. He’s called his quiet times with God the most important part of his life.
Álisson Becker (Brazil)
One of the top goalkeepers of his era, with Champions League and Premier League titles to his name, Becker is also one of the most outspoken believers in the sport. He frequently wears his faith on his sleeve, like with a “Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life” shirt while celebrating a 2025 championship. Becker, who also baptized his former Liverpool teammate Roberto Firmino, said the Bible informs all of his life, including how he trains, plays, and presents himself.
Ederson (Brazil)
Like Becker, Ederson isn’t just a world-class goalkeeper for Brazil’s national team, which has a record five World Cup titles, but a vocal Christian who displays his faith on his own body, most prominently with an “I Belong To Jesus” tattoo across his chest. A former Guinness World Record holder for the longest soccer drop kick, the three-time Premier League Golden Glove winner has also credited God for his overcoming a poor upbringing.
Endrick (Brazil)
NurPhoto / Contributor / GettyAlong with fellow forward Rayan, the 19-year-old Endrick is the youngest player to be called up for Brazil’s World Cup squad in more than three decades. An underdog story whose childhood included a brief stay at an orphanage, he wasn’t yet a legal adult when he scored for his country in 2024 Summer Olympics qualifiers. He and his wife were publicly baptized in 2024, and he went viral for equating his faith with therapy: “My psychologist is primarily God.”
Neymar (Brazil)
A Brazilian legend who led the country to its first Olympic gold medal in men’s soccer and once ranked among the most lucrative earners in all of sports, Neymar is now 34 and rejoining Brazil’s squad for what figures to be his final World Cup bid after a years-long absence due to injury. He has long proclaimed faith, making famous a white headband reading “100% Jesus,” and tithing part of his salary to the Peniel Baptist Church in São Paulo, where he grew up. While Santos, Neymar’s first pro club, allegedly asked him to stop wearing the headband, he still reserves it for special celebrations while “carrying Jesus in my heart.”
Lucas Paquetá (Brazil)
Making his second straight World Cup appearance for Brazil, Paquetá repeatedly displayed his faith while playing for the Premier League’s West Ham United. He once took the pitch alongside two of his sons, who wore “Glory to God” jerseys, and used sign language to declare Jesus as “the only Lord and savior” after scoring a goal. Paquetá was also baptized in his own swimming pool by Flamengo teammate Pedro Guilherme in 2025.
Bukayo Saka (England)
Michael Regan / The FA / Contributor / GettyNicknamed “Little Chilli” for his combination of smaller stature and explosive energy, the Arsenal veteran is also one of about 10 “Bible Brothers” on one of the world’s most respected soccer clubs. The brothers are a committed group of believers who use hotel Bible studies and pre-match prayers to forge team unity. Saka, 24, said nightly Scripture reading reminds him that “God’s plan is perfect” and enables him to take the pitch without nervousness entering his second World Cup.
Marc Guéhi (England)
The 25-year-old Premier League defender, who now stars for Manchester City, grew up with pro tutelage, drawing the eyes of a Chelsea scout at the age of 6. He also grew up in the Word, as his father, John, pastors a church in South London, where the family immigrated from West Africa. Guéhi risked Football Association charges by writing “I love Jesus” and “Jesus loves you” over rainbow armbands he was given to wear in support of a UK inclusion campaign.
Eberechi Eze (England)
A Premier League champion in his first season with Arsenal during the 2025–26 campaign, Eze was born in Greater London to Nigerian parents, rising to become a top pro scoring threat. His walk with Jesus is “more important,” however, and he’s been a vocal proponent of his Christian faith visibly affecting every aspect of his life, from his eating habits to how he speaks.
Felix Nmecha (Germany)
A former Manchester City prospect, the 6-foot-3 Borussia Dortmund midfielder said a serious injury earlier in his career was the “best thing that could’ve happened” because it drew him close to God “like never before.” Nmecha has also sparked controversy, with Dortmund reportedly monitoring his social media after he made posts appearing to criticize Pride Month and expressed grief over the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Antoine Semenyo (Ghana)
New to Manchester City this year, Semenyo briefly quit soccer as a teen but is now a pivotal piece of the Black Stars, for whom he also appeared during Qatar’s 2022 World Cup. Representing his parents’ home country despite also having eligibility in England and France, the 26-year-old winger is often seen praying before matches—sometimes with a pastor—and credits faith for being “a lion” in games: “God is my inspiration. [He] is the only person I fear.”
Cody Gakpo (Netherlands)
A key forward for Liverpool, Gakpo revealed an “I Belong To Jesus” shirt after scoring in the club’s title-clinching match in the 2024-25 season. It was an homage to Kaká, the former Brazilian star who first unveiled the same shirt following a 2002 World Cup victory in Japan. Gakpo calls his own Christianity a “lifestyle” and leads Bible studies for his national squad.
Christian Pulisic (United States)
Nicknamed “Captain America” as the contemporary face of American soccer, Pulisic already ranks among the country’s top five all-time goal scorers at age 27. He once declared, “Nothing can stop me” when he relies on God for his strength and described his cross necklace as one of his most prized possessions. This year, he highlighted his study of Ephesians, calling attention to the fact salvation is not earned but a gift from God.
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