World Cup Devotional for Kids
- Becky
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
The stadium echoes with voices. Excitement fills spectators at the match and around the globe. The players are visualizing the perfect game, remembering their training, their team, their nation. Announcers are reminding the world of what they came to see.
As I hear the bold voice explaining who the players are and what is at stake with the backdrop of thousands of voices in the stadium, I am reminded of Hebrews.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,”
Hebrews 12:1 NIV
The World Cup players are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. During opening weekend, over 50 million viewers watched FIFA World Cup. (a)
This year there are 48 teams competing in 104 matches for the 2026 World Cup. To take the cup, a team must win 8 matches.
The Number of Teams Fighting for the World Cup Over the Years (b):
1930: 13 nations
1934 – 1950: 13 to 16 nations
1954 – 1978: 16 nations
1982 – 1994: 24 nations
1998 – 2022: 32 nations
2026: 48 nations
On Thursday, June 11th, Mexican forward Julián Quiñones scored the opening goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Mexico City Stadium (Estadio Azteca) as Mexico played against South Africa. The stadium can hold 87,000 spectators officially.(c) This stadium previously hosted the World Cup in 1970 and in 1986. Protests for various causes took place outside this June 11th match as people knew the world was watching.(d)
Mexico City Stadium
As believers, do we realize the world is watching us? People see how we live and hear what we say. These are clues about our character, our heart, who we are. Who do people see when we are on or off the soccer field? This year there are 16 stadiums hosting matches for the World Cup as 48 teams compete in 104 matches. There are so many competitors fighting for the cup. There are so many more watching the games.
Athletes have devoted their lives to training for these competitions. It is hard. It is exciting. There are around 8.3 billion people in the world, 1,248 of those people are fighting for the 2026 World Cup (48 teams with 26 players on each team).
Hebrews 12:1 reminded us that we are also surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. It is not just people who are officially part of our lives that see us, but we have witnesses in heaven, including God.
We are called to throw off everything that hinders. What if one of the soccer players brought his favorite hoodie with him onto the field during a match? Would he be ready to play his best? What would his coach, teammates, family, and the world think? Having a hoodie is not wrong in life, but there are times and a places for things.
When God calls us to do something, he wants us to be ready and willing and to set aside the things that would hinder us from doing what He has called us to do. God might be calling you to be a soccer player at the World Cup level someday. Where are you today? Are you running the race God has given you right now with excellence? Maybe it seems a bit unrelated, but how are you honoring your father and mother today? Ephesians 6:1-2 reminds us that obeying them in the Lord is the first commandment with a promise. Walking in obedience to God includes following His ways, accepting His grace, and sharing His love with others.
If you are dreaming of your team’s victory this summer and hoping to make it to the level of World Cup someday or be an amazing athlete in any sport, remember that today matters. Walking and running in obedience to God matters, today as a child and for the rest of your life.
Remember, there are people all over cheering for you, watching as you run this race of life for Christ!
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV)
Questions to Ponder:
Why is Hebrews 12:1-2 important?
Is there anything you see in the World Cup that is reminding you of your faith?
A Prayer:
Dear God, Thank You for the way you invite us to be growing and learning. You enable us to do hard things. Thank You for the reminder that we need to throw off things that will hinder us. Please help me do what You’ve called me to do today and rest in Your grace. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Resources about the World Cup:
Looking for a place to see what’s been happening at the 2026 World Cup? https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/articles/match-schedule-fixtures-results-teams-stadiums
Interested in seeing where the stadiums are? https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/stadiums
Soccer Book Give Away!
Ink-a-dink.com is giving away 9 soccer themed books, one of them happens to be Bee Attitudes: A Devotional for Young Readers.
"Ink-a-Dink Children's Bookstore is giving away nine books to nine lucky winners—three copies of each featured title—to inspire young readers and soccer fans alike." The contest ends July 31st with winners announced on August 1st! Here’s where to go for more information:
This is a video about the contest by the Ink-A-Dink Bookstore:
Activity: How to Draw the World Cup Trophy
Making art together can be a great way to spend time with family. In this video, Art for Kids Hub shares how to draw the World Cup trophy.
Endnotes:
(a)FIFA World Cup 2026™ captivates global audiences, Monday 22 June 2026, https://inside.fifa.com/tournament-organisation/commercial/fifa-tv/news/world-cup-2026-captivates-global-audiences accessed on 7/6/2026
(b) World Cup History https://www.history.com/articles/world-cup-history accessed on 7/6/2026
(c) How Many Fans Are Attending Mexico vs South Africa Today in 2026 World Cup Opener? https://bolavip.com/en/world-cup/how-many-fans-are-attending-mexico-vs-south-africa-today-in-2026-world-cup-opener accessed on 7/6/2026
(d) Mexico Opens World Cup with Passion, Parties, and Protests https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/mexico-open-world-cup-amid-passion-parties-protests-2026-06-11/ accessed on 7/6/2026
