U.S. Soccer, Fueled by Faith, Enjoys Historic World Cup Start

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A viral image of the United States men's soccer team gathered in prayer following its World Cup victory over Australia has highlighted the fact that multiple players on the squad are outspoken Christians.

The United States defeated Australia 2-0 on Friday to improve to 2-0 in World Cup group play, marking the nation’s first back-to-back wins at the World Cup since the inaugural tournament in 1930 and already qualifying them for the knockout stage – the single-elimination portion of the tournament that includes 32 teams.

Following the victory, defender Mark McKenzie gathered teammates and staff at midfield for a prayer circle, with players bowing their heads in gratitude after one of the most significant wins in U.S. soccer history.

McKenzie has become one of the most outspoken Christians on the U.S. roster.

Team USA stopped to PRAY after their 2-0 victory over Australia in the World Cup! WOW 🙏 pic.twitter.com/biAKLPsPRX

— Revival Nation News (@EncounterNewsX) June 20, 2026

“He is not only my Savior, not only my Jehovah Jireh, my Jehovah Rapha, my Jehovah Nissi. He is my everything,” McKenzie told the Sports Spectrum Podcast. “He is the One who is holy of holiest. He is the One who reigns on high. He’s the One I depend on for everything. I think that’s the only way I can describe Him. It might seem a little cliche, but it is the truth.

“He is the One who knows all, knew all, yet still gives His all for me and requires so little. Like the salvation that I have is nothing that I’ve earned. It’s a gift, and there’s nothing else to it, you know? Like every day that goes by is a day where I have to look up and say, ‘Thank you, Lord, for seeing me through this.’”

But McKenzie is far from the only American player of faith. Goalkeeper Matt Freese, for example, told Sports Spectrum that his relationship with God has been a guiding force throughout his soccer career.

“I always remind myself God’s got me,” he said on the What’s Up Podcast. “God’s looking over me and watching over me. … And I think this is a very big way faith has motivated me as well as guided my career and my soccer journey – I the fact that God’s given me so many opportunities in general. But to focus on soccer, God’s given me so many opportunities within this game and within my career.”

Another outspoken Christian on the squad is captain Christian Pulisic, who has spoken publicly about the role faith plays in his life, regularly shares Scripture on social media, and has helped foster a culture of Bible study within the team.

The Americans will wrap up group play against Turkey on Thursday before the knockout round starts the following week.

Photo Credit: ©X / Revival Nation News

Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel. 

Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.