As the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team advances in the World Cup, star player Christian Pulisic is drawing attention not only for his play on the field but also for his and his teammates’ public expression of faith.
Following the United States’ 2-0 victory over Australia on Friday, Pulisic shared a photo on Instagram showing members of the team gathered in prayer on the field. The win secured the Americans a spot in the next round of the tournament.
“Grateful to be a part of this group. Onto the next round all together,” Pulisic wrote, accompanied by emojis of a U.S. flag and praying hands. One of his teammates, Mark Mackenzie, left a comment on the post providing a reference to the Bible verse Ecclesiastes 4:9-12.
The Scripture passage says: “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: 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 core of three strands is not quickly broken.”
Mackenzie’s faith also figures prominently on his social media, with an image of a cross featured in the biography on his Instagram page.
In 2021, Pulisic wrote: “I’ve had to continue to prove myself over and over again. But, as always, I reach out to God, and He gives me strength. With that behind me, nothing can stop me, really.”
Following a match against Curacao last Sunday, Germany’s Men’s National Soccer Team gathered on the field with their opponents after beating them 7-1.
“We simply said a little prayer together because we are all still feeling very grateful for everything that has happened,” said German soccer player Felix Nmecha in a postgame interview.
“Overall, we all believe that Jesus is glorified through the game, and that is why we came together. During the game, we are opponents facing one another, but after the match, we are all Christians, and we are like brothers,” he added.
The World Cup is slated to continue through July 19, where the initial field of 48 teams will be winnowed down to two. Teams will be eliminated through a weeks-long process of additional matches held at various locations throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
As reflected in the standings published on the World Cup’s official website, the U.S., Germany and Curacao all remain in the competition. While the U.S. and Germany lead their respective groups, Curacao is in danger of elimination as it’s in last place among the members of its group.
Ryan Foley is a reporter for The Christian Post. He can be reached at: [email protected]
