World Cup 2026

In an age of distraction and isolation, we were for six weeks invited into presence and community. But if the beautiful game is a microcosm of life, what lessons can we take with us?

As Argentina's national team advanced in the World Cup, spiritual beliefs have become increasing visible among many soccer fans in the South American nation.

As the July 19 World Cup final approaches, players from two historically Catholic nations can count not only on the prayers of their fans, but also on a rich web of Catholic threads surrounding the showdown between Spain and Argentina.

"What we were learning from the World Cup in its early phase was that sport can be experienced as a human phenomenon with internal goods or intrinsic rewards," writes Patrick Kelly. 

As Mexicans show their zeal for soccer everywhere during FIFA's World Cup 2026, families of Mexico's more than 130,000 disappeared want the country to have that same obsession for those who are missing.

The 2022 final between France and Argentina, widely considered one of the greatest World Cup games ever played, was decided by a penalty kick shootout. So if it happens again this year, spare a prayer for the pressure these players are under — and ask yourself how you would respond, whatever the outcome.

In a time when patriotism feels complicated, the World Cup has given us a chance to root for something overtly, unapologetically American. Until doing so — yet again — felt tainted.

Mexican soccer fans have prayed for World Cup success at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Mexico City, where the faithful dressed a Christ Child in the country's official soccer kit.

The soccer tournament "can demonstrate the pleasures of connection and offer us spaces to come together in community," writes Michael O'Connor.

The world's most-watched sporting event is famous for athletes like Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal, but the grit of lesser-known players representing small but scrappy countries is where the real inspiration lies.

Inspired by Pope Leo's link between soccer and the spiritual life, Michael O'Connell will be covering the World Cup for NCR. He'll review the most spectacular moments and note the suffering and injustices also present.

Assessing the soccer tournament's success "asks us to look more carefully at what success means," writes Guilherme Lopes. "Who benefits? Who feels welcome? Who participates? Who bears the burdens?"

As the FIFA World Cup opens on across the U.S., Mexico and Canada, a group of Dominican friars, sisters and lay leaders is calling on Catholics to pay attention to the people who may be left behind by it.

The Leo Chronicles: Brother Leo gets ready for the games.

NCR Vatican correspondent Justin McLellan got a belly laugh when he asked the pontiff to hold off praying for his beloved Chicago White Sox when they played the Philadelphia Phillies, the reporter's favorite team.

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, Catholic dioceses across the United States are preparing for what many see as both a pastoral opportunity and an unprecedented moment of global encounter.