World Cup 2026

World Cup 2026 will be from June 11 – July 19. There are 48 teams playing all over the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The welcome mat is being rolled out, as people from all over the world come to play and cheer on their team. Each team selects a city to live in for practices and games.

 The soccer team from Algeria chose Lawrence, Kansas. Germany is in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and Spain is training in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Although most people in Lawrence, Kansas know little about Algeria, they are welcoming their visitors and expressing interest in learning more about the players and their country. By the first week, the residents were beginning to wear green jerseys to cheer on the team. A news crew interviewed an older man and asked him what he knew about Algeria. He replied, “Not much yet, but we want to welcome them here.” The University of Kansas sent its marching band to Algeria’s training field. They had spent the week learning the Algerian National Anthem and played it as the team came out on the field. The Algerian team is investing in the community, by offering training sessions, going through drills, and signing autographs. They are considering themselves honorary Kansans.

 

The people in Alexandria, Virginia had a street festival, with Croatian food and music. Soccer fans in Spokane, Washington have gathered to watch Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah. A new Egyptian restaurant has seen its business increase, since the soccer team came to town.

 

Curacao is the smallest country to ever reach the FIFA World Cup. They are settling in Houston, Texas. There are 156,000 residents in Curacao and almost 7,000 have come for the games. It’s a way to share their island, culture, and team with the world.

 

Players and fans from Scotland, Germany, and the Netherlands are also staying in Texas. Dallas Stadium and Fort Worth shuttle busses are taking tourists to the Buc-ee’s near Texas Motor Speedway. Trinity Metro Cowtown shuttles are offering visitors rides to Buc-ee’s, Tanger Outlets, Fort Worth Zoo, and Six Flags.

 

From grocery stores, amusement attractions, food, and special events, the world athletes have come to experience the US. May they see us at our best.

 

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.

John 15:12

 

Finding Goodness

 

After a morning of tests, Patrick Kelly stopped at Walmart to pick up some needed items. As a minister and counselor, Kelly is quick to notice people and their behaviors. As he was shopping, a couple in front of him peeked his attention. They were following another couple. The lady in the lead was on crutches and pulling an oxygen tank on a cart behind her. When the first couple stopped to look at an item, the second couple would stop and look at other items. After moving on, the second couple would put an item in their basket and continue to follow at a distance. Wanting to make sure the first couple was not being stalked, Patrick continued to follow both couples. Row by row, he noticed as the first couple picked up an item, then put it back on the shelf, the second couple would put it in their basket. Kelly realized he was witnessing “the innate goodness of people.” Before they approached the checkout counter, Patrick stopped the couple and said, “I know what you’re doing, and I wish more people would follow your lead!” The man responded, “We’re not judging, but we saw that they have nothing, she’s disabled, we have enough to help.” As the first couple approached the counter, the lady said, “We noticed you kept passing up things that are needed, so this basket is for you. We are paying for it!” The man continued to decline their offer until Kelly spoke up, “Excuse me for butting in, but I’m a minister and this couple is trying to answer God’s calling to pay it forward! And by accepting the gifts you are honoring what God has told them to do! So please accept the gift and later on you two can be the ones paying it forward!!” The lady on crutches was now crying. As they talked, information was shared that the lady had cancer and with the medical bills they only purchased what was necessary. The couples exchanged information and phone numbers. As they were leaving, the generous man reached into his windbreaker, pulled out an envelope and gave it to the man to help with medical expenses. The man was now crying as well. As the couple got in their car, Patrick asked the second couple what prompted them to be so observant and generous. “We’ve been blessed with a very large inheritance from her mother, and we like to go into stores, see someone needy and deserving and help them.” That morning, they left their home with five envelopes with $5,000 in each one. They had already blessed four people by paying for baskets of goods at Homeland, Target, Aldi, and Walmart and giving them an envelope with cash. Patrick was told there would be additional gifts to help the Walmart couple cover medical expenses.

Whether in big or small ways, may we also look for opportunities to do good and bless others.

 

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Galatians 6:10

Sharing Good News

 

Karlyn Pickens pitches for Tennessee and has openly shared her faith during the Women’s College World Series. Written on her glove is Psalm 18:32: “It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.” When asked about it, she commented, “The verse serves as a constant reminder that my strength comes from God and that I am playing for a purpose greater than myself.”

Emma Clarke, playing for Tennessee, hit a walk-off home run vs. Texas Tech. As she began running the bases, Emma looked up, raised both arms, and pointed to the sky. She responded, “I immediately just looked up and started to give God all the glory.” When the spotlight was on her, Emma made sure God received the glory.

 

On her social media profile, Kendall Wells, from Texas Tech, is listed as “Daughter of the King.” When asked by a reporter, Kendall commented, “It means putting God first in everything no matter the circumstances. In the high or lows, He’s there. When things aren’t going my way, I rely on him above all.” Every morning, she prays for God to get into her head first, before anything else does.

 

NiJaree Canady has been a powerhouse pitcher for Texas Tech. She has consistently been vocal in sharing her faith. “I feel like the biggest thing for me is knowing softball is not my ride or die. I work hard for it, but at the end of the day my job here is to spread my faith to as many people as I can. Right now, I use softball to do that. This world’s not gonna be my final place. The end goal is to be with my Savior Jesus Christ, and I’m just using softball to spread that message. You can play freely, too, just knowing that. I’m relying more and more on my faith and knowing that this game doesn’t define me.”

 

Hat Creek Burger Company has 1 Corinthians 10:31 printed on their bags. “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

 

Lynsi Snyder is president of In-N-Out Burger. Since the 1990s, when her uncle Rich Snyder owned the business, scriptures have appeared on cups and wrappers. Soda cups have John 3:16, milkshake cups have Proverbs 3:5, and the hamburger wrappers have Revelation 3:20. During the Christmas Season, the cups have Isaiah 9:6 printed on them. Even when pressured to remove the Bible verses, Lynsi says, “They are not going anywhere. They are a tribute to Rich and the faith that shaped him.” As a Christian business owner, Snyder believes she needs to answer to her faith, quoting Matthew 5:16. “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

 

Whether through written word or spoken word, may we be ready to give an answer for the hope we have in Jesus.

 

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

1 Peter 3:15