{"id":40897,"date":"2026-07-09T15:08:47","date_gmt":"2026-07-09T22:08:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ocbf.ca\/2019\/?post_type=portfolio&p=40897"},"modified":"2026-07-09T15:44:20","modified_gmt":"2026-07-09T22:44:20","slug":"2026-fifa","status":"publish","type":"portfolio","link":"https:\/\/ocbf.ca\/2019\/gospel-express\/2026-fifa\/","title":{"rendered":"FIFA for Christ"},"content":{"rendered":"

 <\/p>\n

Win or lose, Jesus Christ is still worthy of our praise.<\/p>\n

After a heartbreaking defeat to Belgium, members of the U.S. men’s soccer team gathered on the field for one final prayer, giving thanks to God despite the disappointment of seeing their World Cup journey come to an end.<\/p>\n

Throughout the tournament, U.S. defender Mark McKenzie has helped lead the team in prayer after each match. That commitment did not change after defeat. In a moment when many would focus only on the loss, the players chose first to honor God.<\/p>\n

The same spirit has been seen throughout the World Cup. Christian athletes from many nations have publicly paused to pray and give glory to God, whether celebrating victory or enduring disappointment. Brazil’s Danilo Santos also knelt in prayer after Brazil’s Round of 16 defeat to Norway, reminding us that faith is not dependent on the final score<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The Bible says:<\/p>\n

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus<\/strong>.” \u2014 1 Thessalonians 5:18<\/p>\n

“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth<\/strong>.” \u2014 Psalm 34:1<\/p>\n

May these athletes remind us that true victory is found not in trophies or championships, but in remaining faithful to Jesus Christ through every season of life.<\/p>\n

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Christ Daily<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026<\/p>\n

The U.S. men\u2019s national team\u2019s World Cup run ended Monday with a 4-1 loss to Belgium, but before players left the field, they paused for one final tradition: a group prayer.<\/p>\n

The postgame prayers became a regular sight throughout the World Cup, with defender Mark McKenzie emerging as the unofficial leader of the tradition.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlthough it starts out as a moment of prayer, it invites people into what this team is about,\u201d McKenzie said. \u201cIt\u2019s about love, it\u2019s about togetherness, it\u2019s about welcoming people. It doesn\u2019t matter what your background is, we are family.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\"\"RELEVANT<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.<\/p>\n

Before Brazil’s Round of 16 match against Norway at the World Cup, Neymar Jr. shared a message of faith on his Instagram story by posting Joshua 1:9:<\/p>\n

“Be strong and courageous.”<\/p>\n

Neymar later came on as a substitute and scored a penalty in stoppage time. Despite his goal, Brazil was eliminated after Norway scored two late goals to reach its first-ever World Cup quarterfinal.<\/p>\n

The full verse says:<\/p>\n

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go<\/strong>.” \u2014 Joshua 1:9<\/p>\n

This Scripture does not promise an easy path or guarantee victory in every circumstance. Instead, it reminds us that God’s presence remains constant through every season of life<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Whether we experience success or disappointment, triumph or defeat, the Lord is faithful and walks with His people.<\/p>\n

May Joshua 1:9 encourage us to trust God not only when life goes our way, but also when we face challenges, knowing that His presence is our greatest source of strength and hope.<\/p>\n

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Christ Daily<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026<\/p>\n

Ahead of Portugal’s World Cup match, Cristiano Ronaldo shared that his confidence comes not from the pressure to win, but from his trust in God.<\/p>\n

Reflecting on this stage of his career, Ronaldo said that football has already given him so much, and he no longer measures his life by trophies or results. Instead, he is focused on enjoying every opportunity, remaining grateful for the blessings he has received, and giving his best each time he steps onto the field.<\/p>\n

Most notably, Ronaldo said: “I’ll do whatever God wants.”<\/p>\n

His words reflect a heart that recognizes the future is ultimately in God’s hands. Rather than being driven by fear or expectations, he chooses to approach each match with gratitude, perseverance, and trust.<\/p>\n

The Bible says:<\/p>\n

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.<\/strong>” \u2014 Proverbs 3:5\u20136<\/p>\n

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose<\/strong>.” \u2014 Romans<\/p>\n

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Christ Daily<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026<\/p>\n

Switzerland makes history and reaches the World Cup quarterfinals after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Colombia.<\/p>\n

Ruben Vargas stepped up and scored the decisive penalty. But after the match, his words pointed beyond the moment:<\/p>\n

\u201cAll I can say is thank God. Thank you for this moment.\u201d<\/p>\n

In the middle of celebration, pressure, and emotion, he chose to give God the glory.<\/p>\n

A powerful reminder that every gift, every opportunity, and every moment belongs to Him.<\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

Jesusmygoal<\/span><\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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