pro soccer
FIFA 2026
This summer the US will host the men’s World Cup with Canada and Mexico. As pro soccer chaplains, we support the US Men’s National Team (USMNT) as they play on the world stage.
The world watches from June 11 to July 19, 2026 as the FIFA World Cup plays! A new initiative – Victory Beyond The Cup helps believers spark meaningful conversations, connect across cultures, and share the hope of Christ—right where the game begins.
Approximately 5 billion people will engage with the FIFA World Cup and we want to mobilize 100,000 believers and 10,000 churches everywhere to turn this global moment into gospel impact.
Join us as we share Christ through the worlds largest sporting event! We have created new tools to share His Story and we are partnering with churches, individuals, and other ministries to help these 5 billion fans of soccer start a relationship with the Great Substitue – Jesus Christ.
See our new tools and join thousands of others in our new movement to share Christ.
- Web Gospel Tool: 90 minutes Between the Lines
- Booklets in English and Spanish
Giving Back
Over the years AIA chaplain Walt has helped pro players impact the New England community by giving back through the Turkey Club. Gevork Diarbian continues to follow the example set by previous Turkey Club Captains, DeJuan Jones and Teal Bunbury helping families. The Goal is to help a local shelter by raising $20,000 to provide food for families. Gevork said: “Take that next step.. I hope God is working in all of our lives to donate and really help the people that need it the most”
Imagine your life was a soccer game How will you live your 90 minutes Between the Lines?
Never Give up
Recently the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) interviewed Georgi Minoungou a pro player for the Seatle Sounders FC team who explained how the chaplain has made a difference in his life.
Georgi said: “I’m a game changer. I’m someone who brings something different. When I step on the field, you can see, you can feel the energy.”
Even though Georgi lost vision in one eye he continues to play hard for the team and for the Lord. Watch his story of determination and be inspired to endure through tough times.
When we go through tough times in our lives we can question what the Lord is doing. In these hard times we grow more in our relationship with Him. Please consider enduring like Georgi and pray about how you might share Christ in all situations, even in our stuggles.
2 Timothy 4:2
my90minutes
As part of our initiative to share Christ with the 5 billion soccer fans we have created music.
My90Minutes is YouTube channel that people use to start a Jesus conversation with others. Imagine using music to break the ice with your friends.
These songs have a theme of “90 Minutes Between the Lines” which is a powerful metaphor for the Christian journey using the imagery of a soccer game to reflect on the spiritual battle we all face.
Each of us has fouls and failures which means we miss the mark of Gods perfection. We need the jersey of grace that replaces our dirty one? The gift of salvation through Jesus Christ is the great substitution. We can have true abundant life through HIm.
Invite a friend to hear a song and then share more about Christ: my90minutes YouTube
one PERSON
CHALLENGE: Share with One person! You dont have to know everything about the game to share Christ during this strategic time.
The FIFA World Cup is the most-watched sporting event globally, eclipsing even the Super Bowl and the Olympics in terms of viewership. It’s estimated that around 5 billion people will engage with the 2026 World Cup, either through watching matches or following tournament content across various platforms. So get some resources to help you share.
This new soccer-themed booklet is perfectly suited to help you communicate the Gospel message with any athlete and especially those who love soccer!
See what it looks like here in a PDF example. “Regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all time, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, best known as Pelé, achieved soccer glory playing 90 minutes between the lines. He is famous for winning three World Cup titles and holds a Guinness World Record for scoring 1,279 goals in 1,363 games in 65 countries…”
PRO connect
about
In 1996, the vision of Athletes in Action staff member, Jim Schmidtke, came to life. Avid fan and neighbor to the MLS team, the Columbus Crew, Jim had the idea to serve teams in the league. After a conversation with owner, Lamar Hunt, the ministry was launched.
Through partnership, prayer & perseverance, we have chaplains placed with every MLS team, along with most of the USL and NWSL teams. Through pre-game chapels, group prayer & regular Bible studies, chaplains are present to serve and encourage players as they answer questions of faith. Its about helping pro players know Christ and the difference He makes.
LIFE IN PRO SOCCER
25.7
Average Age of Players in the US Leagues
Struggles
Each Pro Player Struggles with Some Form of Pressure, Isolation, and Relationships
47.8%
Percentage of Players who were born outside the United States
what we do
As chaplains, we are volunteers who look to meet our teams’ needs. Due to the amount of time players & coaches dedicate to their sport, many of them tend to not have a strong sense of church community. Through game-day chapels, Bible studies, one-one mentorship & more, our mission is to bring spiritual community, as well as a grounded support system, to them!
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Where sport culture, relationships, character, identity, and faith collide.
