World Cup Resources

For the first time ever, the men’s World Cup is being held in the winter, with 32 teams battling it out to be crowned champions on 18th December in Lusail. England will be looking for another strong showing after finishing 2nd and 4th in the last two major tournaments, while Wales are making history by qualifying for their first World Cup in 64 years.

Whichever team wins the iconic trophy, the tournament will be big news for well over a month and presents a golden opportunity for the church to get involved with their community.

Here’s our guide to making the most of the World Cup!

Carol service clash:

The World Cup final is on Sunday 18th December at 3pm which is the Sunday many churches traditionally hold their Christmas carol service. Whether we are fans or not, we need to be realistic that most people will choose watching the final over an invite to carols. So why not embrace it? Invite the community to come and watch the match first, maybe include some food, and then continue with the carol service. Alternatively, it might be wise find another slot for your carol service.

Key fixtures

Sunday 18th December: 3pm – Final

Play: 

A great place to start is getting a group together and just go and play. It can be a church hall, park, MUGA, or leisure centre. It’s an easy invite and a great way to build fellowship to share Jesus. If you need help, join us on one of our Community Football Outreach sessions to see some ideas and how it works. See more HERE

Watch: 

Hold a screening of matches and invite people or families along to watch with refreshments. You are free to show games, if your church has a TV licence and you don’t charge for entry.

Quiz: 

Host a Sports Quiz night during the World Cup at your church or in the community. Christians in Sport do a great quiz HERE

Sharing Jesus through football: 

We are passionate about sharing Jesus. At our events we have Gospel talks that can be held at halftime or the end. You can share a personal testimony or a talk based on a Bible verse.

We’ve produced this short gospel talk called “Putting on the shirt!” which you can download HERE

Ambassadors do send out Talk Football that is a talk based on football and faith. During the World Cup we will be sending out during the tournament, you can see more and sign up to receive HERE

Ambassadors have also written Talk Football, a book with 25 short talks perfect for an outreach event. You can buy HERE

Get in touch:

Ambassadors Football exists to equip local churches for mission. If you have an idea or would like any support, then don’t hesitate to contact [email protected]

Resources:

Here are some other great resources that may help you this Christmas 

Ambassadors Football, our Towards The Goal materials offer animated videos and bible stories that can share Good News with all: Toward the Goal free children’s ministry resources for the World Cup

Church of England: Football Nativity services for World Cup Final Day

Christians in Sport: Sports Mission Pack

Scripture Union: Free resource to help churches share faith through football

Open Doors: Tackling persecution during the World Cup

Printable World Cup Worksheet: Download here