It can be both heartbreaking and beautiful when top athletes and their teams lose while still giving thanks to God for His blessings. Last night, the U.S. men’s soccer team bowed for a final prayer on the field after losing a gut-wrenching game to Belgium.
The U.S. team, which had shown so much promise, was suddenly knocked out of the tournament on U.S. soil in the 4-1 loss.
U.S. defender Mark McKenzie has been leading the U.S. World Cup team in prayer after each game, win or lose. Last night was no different, even after the American players’ dreams were dashed.
MORE: US Men’s Team Prays on Field, Honoring God After Second World Cup Win
PHOTO: United States prays together after a win during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between the U.S. and Bosnia in Santa Clara, CA, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
There have been Christian players on so many teams at the World Cup, pausing to honor God on the field, even in their moments of loss.
Brazil’s Danilo Santos is one of them, well-known for being very vocal about his faith and openly giving glory to Jesus in both victory and defeat. Here he is, still honoring God after his country’s loss to Norway.
PHOTO: Brazil’s Danilo Santos prays after losing to Norway (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
The greatest soccer player of all time, Lionel Messi, often gives glory to God. Raised Catholic, the football legend attributes his talent directly to God.
PHOTO: Argentina’s Lionel Messi honors God on June 22, 2026, at the FIFA World Cup 2026 game with Austria (Photo by: UlrichHufnagel/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images)
Panamanian footballer José Córdoba is a practicing Christian who frequently expresses his faith, and has been photographed praying during matches.
PHOTO: Jose Cordoba prays at halftime during the World Cup match between Panama and England in East Rutherford, N.J., June 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Paraguay midfielder Mauricio is also a devout Christian. He frequently expresses his faith publicly. At one point, he famously celebrated a World Cup goal by displaying a graphic that read “Jesus Loves You” and was even spotted carrying his Bible into the stadium.
PHOTO: Mauricio of Paraguay’s National team prays after losing a round of 16 game between France and Paraguay during the 2026 World Cup on July 4, 2026. (Photo by Lev Radin/Sipa USA)(Sipa via AP Images)
MORE: ‘Playing for Jesus’: Curacao Stars Worship to ‘Goodness of God’, Glorify Him at World Cup
PHOTO: Screen capture of Curacao player worshiping before practice / Players from Curaçao and Germany pray together. (Photo by: Christian Charisius/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images)
PHOTO: US player Alex Freeman thanks God on the field after the US defeated Bosnia in the World Cup in Santa Clara, CA, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
CBN Sports brings you powerful, faith-driven conversations with today’s top athletes and voices. Watch One-on-One and Fuel to Fire now streaming on YouTube.
