Nations United Using World Cup to Build Disciples
After months of preparation and anticipation, the FIFA World Cup finally has arrived in Kansas City and other North American cities. Nations United, an initiative launched through the North American Sport Movement in 2020, is mobilizing local congregations to use the tournament as an opportunity for evangelism.
“We are collaborating with several cities across North America that are launching their initiatives,” the group’s Dan Williams said. “Nations United exists to unite and equip the church across North America to make disciples among the nations through sport, play, hospitality and community outreach. With the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics coming to our region, we believe God has placed a historic opportunity at our door. The nations are no longer only across the world; they are across the street.”
The long-term vision is for churches, ministries and local leaders to build sustainable disciple-making teams across the host nations of the United States, Canada and Mexico.
“These teams will use major sports events as a bridge to build relationships, proclaim the gospel, serve communities and create ongoing pathways for people to follow Jesus,” he said. “The World Cup is a moment. Disciple-making is the mission.”
A citywide initiative called Winning Houston recently launched a Cup of Nations tournament, an outreach event influenced by Nations United that featured what organizers described as the world’s largest soccer goal. The movement’s footprint also extends far beyond North America. Nation’s United is supporting two Christian radio stations in South Africa by developing a 39-day World Cup content plan featuring athlete testimonies, ministry stories and outreach resources.
Other organizations, such as the ministry Victory: Beyond the Cup, drew inspiration from the Nations United framework but operate independently rather than formally aligning with the coalition. Williams welcomes the widespread, organic adoption of the strategy.
“We consider it a privilege to have helped them move forward,” he said. “We are not looking for recognition; we are seeking disciple-making multiplication. We believe that all these experiences in 2026 are preparing us for 2028 as we seek to accomplish our vision as Nations United.”
More information is available at www.nationsunited.net.
–Lee Hartman
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