Across six continents, Bible Societies are capitalising on the world’s biggest sporting event, namely the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to distribute the Holy Scriptures to many people. The season that sports fans around the world have been eagerly awaiting has now begun!
The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 national teams—markingan expansion from the previous format, which was contested by just 32 teams. The tournament is being held in Canada, the United States and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July. This major event created new opportunities for many Bible societies across various countries to launch initiatives that bring people closer to the Word of God, whilst transforming the World Cup into an opportunity to share a message of hope, love and the unity of friendship.
To date, we have compiled more than 30 initiatives from around the world! From Bible distribution and special resources designed for this time of year to inspiring content, Bible Societies are making the most of this season to share the message of the Bible.
Host Nations for the 2026 World Cup
Canada
Through the MyBible CBS app and website, the of Canada (Canadian Bible Society/CBS), has released a reading plan entitled "FIFA World Cup 30-Day Devotionals" (30 Days of Daily World Cup Devotions). This reading plan uses football metaphors to illustrate spiritual principles and life lessons , whilst emphasising faith, perseverance and purpose in the believer’s life journey.
Through partnerships with several churches and leading ministry organisations, CBS has distributed the following Scripture resources:
· New Testament "Youth Sports" (Youth Sports).
· The trilingual Gospel of John (in three languages), available in English, French and Spanish, is a valuable resource for the World Cup’s international audience.
· For those wishing to view further information, please visit the following link: https://www.my-bible.ca/readingplans/fifa-world-cup-30-day-devotionals
United States
The American Bible Society (American Bible Society) is promoting the New Testament "Youth Sports", a special edition aimed at young people who love sport. This edition features the storiesof young athletes from around the world and is designed to share the story of Jesus and the gift of the Good News. The English edition is now available, whilst the Spanish version is currently in production.
Anyone interested in viewing this edition can follow this link: https:/www.americanbible.org/youth-sports/
Mexico
The Mexican Bible Society (Bible Society of Mexico) has designed an evangelistic booklet for distribution entitled "¡Decididos a hacerlo bien!" (Determined to Do It Right!).
In collaboration with churches and Christian organisations in Mexico, they distributed this material in the cities hosting the tournament to capitalise on the significant surge in both local and international visitors at the match venues.
In addition, every week via social media platforms, they share two digital cards featuring biblical figures who exemplify courage, faith and leadership.
Link: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1473740801460171&set=a.500539158780345&locale=es_LA
Initiatives and Creativity Undertaken by Various Bible Societies Around the World
In addition to the Bible societies in the countries are hosting the World Cup, various other Bible organisations are also keen to capitalise on the momentum of the World Cup to reach out to Christian communities in their own countries. Values such as sportsmanship, honesty, camaraderie, cooperation and a never-say-die spirit exemplified by the world of sport are explored and reflected upon in the light of the values of goodness found in the Holy Scriptures.
Scotland
The Scottish Bible Society (Scottish Bible Society) has begun posting daily content on social media about the competing teams, accompanied by information from churches and Bible Societies serving in each country.
Their focus is to highlight the Bible ministry of the participating countries and to encourage the public to join in praying for the work of Bible societies in various countries.
Links: https://www.facebook.com/scottishbiblesociety
Brazil
The Brazilian Bible Society (Bible Society of Brazil) has launched the Bible "On the Road to Victory" (Towards Victory), inspired by the world of football and designed to bring more people to the Word of God in a clear and meaningful way.
The central idea of this edition stems from a simple yet profound analogy:
"Jesus is not like a coach who merely gives instructions from the sidelines. He went out onto the field, lived in the midst of this world, faced real pain, rejection and exhaustion, and won the toughest match to take our place.”
Links: https://www.sbb.org.br/artigos/sbb-lanca-biblia-rumo-a-vitoria
Guatemala
The Guatemalan Bible Society (Bible Society of Guatemala) has launched a social media campaign and is inviting Bible Societies within the Fellowship network (Fellowship) to join in introducing their teams. They have also launched a podcast on YouTube to share episodes relating to sport and faith.
Support the Guatemalan Bible Society’s campaign via: https://ubscommunity.org/join-the-celebration-world-cup-campaign/
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTU60o9_T6M
Kenya
On 5 June, the Bible Society of Kenya (Bible Society of Kenya) launched a Bible engagement campaign by inviting pastors and young people from Nairobi to take part during this year’s World Cup.
This campaign links a love of sport with the Holy Scriptures through various activities that encourage prayer, games, and reflection based on God’s Word.
A special session was held to guide young leaders in using the materials promoted by the Bible Society. During the joint activities with these young church leaders, three books were also launched on the following themes:
• Faith on the Field (Faith in the Field)
• Heaven’s Jersey (Heaven’s Jersey)
· Praying the World Stage (Praying for the World Stage)
Youth leaders expressed their commitment and enthusiasm to promoting this initiative in their ministry.
The Kenya Bible Society’s social media channels have also been sharing information on these topics.
Link: https://www.facebook.com/BSKKENYA
Curaçao
Armin Elisa, Secretary-General of the Bible Society in the Caribbean, personally distributed Bibles to the Curaçao football team. For the first time in history, the team qualified for the World Cup, and they became well-known on social media for their strong Christian faith. Do you still remember how, before facing Germany in their opening group match, they prayed and praised the Lord? After the match, despite the defeat, the Curaçao national team once again entrusted the result to God and prayed together. Several players from the German team also joined in the prayer. A beautiful testimony.
Further information on this matter will be shared shortly.
Argentina
The Argentine Bible Society (Argentine Bible Society) has developed children’s material entitled “El partido de tu vida” (The Match of Your Life), with the aim of providing resources for churches and families to connect with children whilst sharing the Gospel.
This material includes Bible lessons for children aged 3 to 10, activities for Sunday school or at home, as well asBible verses to memorise. This material, which can be downloaded free of charge, has been shared by the Argentine Bible Society, and we pray that many souls will be blessed through it.
For Bible Friends interested in finding out more, please visit the following link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pNkCLZLIJ95pBE4lnaUTFCG4wPvPLyge/view
Jordan
The Jordanian Bible Society (Bible Society of Jordan) has launched an initiative to support children in remote areas of the north-eastern Badia by providing national team shirts, sportssports equipment, and a ball. This initiative gives them the opportunity to play, interact and take part in a national event that unites the whole of Jordanian society.
This initiative forms part of the Bible Society’s humanitarian and community programme, which aims to reach children in underserved areas and support them in developing their talents and pursuing their interests in sport, based on the belief that opportunities should be available to everyone.
For Bible Friends who are interested, please visit the following link:
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1366721028663956 dan
https://www.instagram.com/bsojordan/
Colombia
The Colombian Bible Society (Colombian Bible Society) shares content inspired by the world of football, along with reflections on it, on its social media channels.
Link: https://www.instagram.com/sociedadbiblicacolombiana/
Peru
The Peruvian Bible Society (Peruvian Bible Society) is using its TikTok account to share content inspired by the World Cup and biblical reflections.
Link: https://www.tiktok.com/@casadelabiblia.oficial/video/7652214269395750162
A Joint Initiative by Bible Societies to Share the Word of God
· A joint campaign has been launched, bringing together 18 Bible Societies to share devotionals, and activities centred on God’s Word and Bible ministry from the countries participating in this global event. Content is updated daily, so that participants can continue to learn from the Word of God throughout the tournament.
• This campaign is available in English, French, Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese, and these Bible Societies have implemented the campaignon their official websites.
• Bible Societies Participating in the Joint Campaign:
· Link: https://biblesports.org/
Dear Bible Friends, is your local Bible Society or church also organising various creative activities to reach as many people as possible with God’s Word during this World Cup season?
We’d would love to hear your stories! Share what your church or fellowship is doing, and the UBS Communications team will help spread the word about your work across the entire network of Bible Societies. You can contact us at: 📧 communications@biblesocieties.org
