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By Mallory Mattingly
Of the 48 nations being represented in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Panama’s journey came to an end earlier this week when they lost to Croatia.
Despite being knocked out of the tournament, Panama took the time to praise God for the opportunity to represent their country.
“…as the disappointment of elimination set in, Panama’s players and staff gathered together on the field in prayer,” Jesus My Goal shared on Instagram, showing the team praying on the field together. “Moments like these remind us that faith is not only for the victories. True faith remains steady when the outcome isn’t what we hoped for.”
“For these players, their relationship with God is not determined by the result of a football match,” the outlet added. “What a testimony to see athletes publicly acknowledge Him, even in the midst of disappointment.”
Panama isn’t the only team to pray during the World Cup. Team USA did the same thing when they won against Australia 2-0.
Related: 15 FIFA World Cup Players Vocal About Their Faith in Jesus
Led by defender Mark McKenzie, the team circled up on the pitch and thanked God.
“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 posted on Instagram, which showed 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 goalkeeper Matt Freese has also been vocal about his faith saying, “I always remind myself God’s got me.”
“God’s looking over me and watching over me…And I think this is a very big way faith has motivated me as well as guided my career and my soccer journey — is the fact that God’s given me so many opportunities in general,” he said on Sports Spectrum’s “What’s Up” podcast. “But to focus on soccer, God’s given me so many opportunities within this game and within my career.”
So far in the World Cup, Freese has only let one ball get by him in the net.
“It was a great night for sure,” Freese told MLSsoccer.com after the United States beat Paraguay 4-1 in their first game of group play. “I had a great view for what was happening in front of me. The guys up top and in the midfield, everyone was vibing well and connecting really well. I think it was super evident everyone was on the same page, just the flicks and the one-touch, two-touch passing was crisp and really good. So a great first step.”
Whether facing the heartbreak of elimination or the thrill of victory, World Cup athletes continue to demonstrate that their ultimate devotion lies not in the final score but in their shared faith and gratitude to God.
Read Next: Inside the Powerful Movement of Faith Defining the 2026 World Cup
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