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By Mallory Mattingly
After the United States Men’s Soccer Team secured its second win in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the team joined together in prayer to express their gratitude to God.
USMNT defender Mark McKenzie gathered the team in the center of the pitch, knelt on one knee and began to pray.
“It’s easy to praise hard work, preparation, talent and determination after a big win. Yet this team chose to pause and acknowledge the One who gave them the opportunity, the strength, and the platform in the first place,” Jesus My Goal shared on Instagram, which included the video of McKenzie leading the team in prayer.
The outlet added that the team’s “victory over Australia earned them a place in the next round. But the scene after the final whistle showed that for many of these players, there is something even more important than advancing in a tournament.”
USMNT star player Christian Pulisic, who has been vocal about his faith, took to social media to share several photos from the team’s World Cup win over Australia. The first photo in the post was from the team’s prayer together.
“Grateful to be a part of this group. Onto the next round all together,” the attacker wrote in the caption.
McKenzie commented “Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 !!🫡.” The passage reads:
Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their labor:Related: 15 FIFA World Cup Players Vocal About Their Faith in Jesus
If either of them falls down,
one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
and has no one to help them up.
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Other countries and athletes have also put their faith in the spotlight during the World Cup.
Before their first match, Curaçao, ranked at No. 82, took time to worship God.
“The Curaçao national team gathered with @presencerevival to worship Jesus and give all glory to God before heading to the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the US,” Presence Revival shared on social media.
Brazilian Football National Team striker Igor Thiago Nascimento said reaching the tournament testifies to God’s faithfulness.
“It will always be an honor to wear the shirt of the Brazilian National Team 🇧🇷 Moments like this seem like a dream, but they are proof that God is faithful and fulfills each of His promises,” the striker wrote on Instagram.
“Gratitude for living all of this, Lord, I continue to trust and keep my eyes fixed on You,” he added.
USMNT goalkeeper Matt Freese believes God brought him to the World Cup for a reason.
“You know, vocally I say it out loud, I always remind myself that God’s got me and God’s looking over me and watching over me,” the goalkeeper said on the Sports Spectrum “What’s Up” podcast.
By anchoring their journey in faith and unity, these players show that true success isn’t just measured by the goals scored or the trophies lifted but by the foundation upon which they stand.
Read Next: Curaçao National Team Unites in Worship Before 2026 World Cup
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