While it is not possible to obtain accurate and comprehensive statistics on the number of people who have received the Lord through evangelism outreaches during World Cups, the following are the figures released by major mission organizations during each World Cup:
20th World Cup (Brazil 2014)
Street evangelism was carried out on a large scale due to the favorable conditions for religious freedom in Brazil. International organizations such as The Salvation Army and Youth with a Mission (YWAM) deployed thousands of foreign and local volunteers to carry out extensive evangelism campaigns in all 12 host cities.
As a result, personal testimonies were preached around stadiums and in public gatherings, many football fans received the good news. Of course, the numbers only reflect the reports received by some organizations, and the total number of people who received the Lord through local churches in each region cannot be fully recorded.
21st World Cup (Russia 2018)
In the face of the strict religious law (Yarovaya Law) in Russia, domestic and foreign evangelical churches have used innovative ministry strategies. In partnership with Mission Eurasia, more than 400 churches have distributed more than 600,000 gospel books and Bibles.
Hundreds of people were directly prayed for through youth flash mobs and sports services held in various cities, and thousands came to the Lord through church-wide watch parties.
22nd World Cup (Qatar 2022)
While there were no large-scale street preaching events due to the strict religious restrictions in Qatar, the ministry focused more on digital media and online strategies.
Global Media Outreach, a mission of digital media, in partnership with former professional football player Pastor Jesse Bradley, reported that over 3.2 million people heard the gospel and over 480,000 made indicated decisions for Christ.
What about this year? The 23rd World Cup will be held from June 4 to July 12, 2018. The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with 48 countries participating and 104 matches to be played in this month-long, global tournament.
Should we just watch only the football? Or what should we do?
Let’s look at least two options: For those of us in the country, pray; for those of us in the US and Canada, we can participate in one of the following missions:
Organize home and church watch parties: – Organize community watch parties to connect with football fans in your area and share the gospel.
The Cru (Campus Crusade for Christ) Plan the Cru is working to train 10,000 churches and 100,000 Christians during this World Cup. They are offering free digital tools (toolkits) that will help you turn game viewing into gospel conversations.
You can also register through their website Cru.org. Register and take advantage of the opportunity. Victory beyond the Cup This collection also provides video and training materials to help churches strategically reach their communities.
On-the-Ground Outreach Open to those who are willing to serve in person in the 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico where the tournament will be held (mainly Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, and Kansas City). Sports Event Evangelism (SEE): Organizes short-term mission teams to evangelize around stadiums and on public transportation where fans congregate.
Interested parties can apply through World Cup Outreach. YWAM (Youth with A Mission) Youth Mission Centers in North America are organizing special training and field trips for sports mission teams focused on the World Cup. Organize Sports Camps and Tournaments Churches can organize sports camps to reach youth and families in conjunction with the World Cup program. Mission Cup 2026 this is a program organized by U.S. Missions, and details can be found at Mission Cup 2026. For those who are at home Participate in the Global Prayer Shield This is a prayer network for believers who are unable to attend or host events in person.
Go and Proclaim Ministries is organizing a 24-hour global prayer chain from June 11 – July 19, the day the tournament begins. The goal is to provide protection for ministry teams in the 16 cities, open hearts to the gospel, and be a powerful intercessory and warfare force to help the gospel be preached with power and authority.
Let’s make the World Cup a priority for the Gospel by choosing a prayer time through the Go and Proclaim Prayer Initiative.
I will do anything for the Gospel!!!