Arleane’s Thought and Prayer

Every four years the FIFA Men’s World Cup captures the attention of billions of people across nations, languages, and cultures. Every four years it completely occupies the energy and attention of this particular writer. Footy coverage is always on for me. (Indeed, as I type this, I’m watching Belgium-Egypt, and still buzzing about Cabo Verde’s Cup debut earlier in the day.)

For me, a World Cup offers a glimpse—however imperfect—of humanity gathered together in a shared experience and embracing hope for a world where competition eventually gives way to a communion of sorts. It’s also an opportunity for prayerful reflection and intercession for a more united and reconciled world.

As we watch athletes represent their countries, we are reminded of the rich diversity of God’s human family. In our prayers, we can give thanks for the gifts of teamwork, perseverance, fitness and friendship that sport can foster. We can pray for peace among nations and for relationships that transcend political and cultural divisions. We can pray that competition remains respectful, that rivalries do not become sources of hatred, and that participants and supporters commit to respect, dignity and safety for all involved.

We can even pray country by country. Before each match, consider the conditions of the nations represented: many of the national teams and supporters are coming form countries that currently experience civil unrest, war or terrorism, chronic famine or flooding or infectious disease outbreaks, and poverty or financial instability. They might come from nations where citizens are persecuted for religion, race, or gender identity and expression. All these things are suitable for prayerful consideration.

With these tensions in mind, let me direct your attention also to the story of the Homeless World Cup (HWC). I first learned about it by reading Dave Bidini’s wonderful non-fiction book, Home and Away: In Search of Dreams at the Homeless World Cup. The HWC also been feature in a Netflix film called The Beautiful Game.

The Homeless World Cup is an annual tournament organized by The Homeless World Cup Foundation, a social organization that advocates the end of homelessness through the sport. The 2025 Homeless Word Cup took place in Norway with 500 players representing 48 nations on 60 different teams. (The HWC has different rules about team size, match length and substitutions.) The 2026 tournament will be in Mexico City, but in January 2027.

Whether you’re a footy fan or hopping on the bandwagon just this month or looking for an alternative to all the hype, I highly recommend Badini’s book or the Netflix movie. Either one will invite you into an incredible true story and a view of football as a vehicle not for crowning champions, but for creating opportunity and inclusion.