As we watch the 2026 World Cup, it does my heart good to see how the Lord can use even the game of football to remind us of His truth.

In a world that often forgets God, we’re seeing little glimpses of His light breaking through on the pitch.

One of the most striking examples this tournament is Norway’s home kit. The bright red shirt features a large blue Nordic cross outlined in white that stretches right across the chest. You know this isn’t just a clever design; it comes straight from the Norwegian national flag.

The Norwegian flag carries very deep Christian roots. From what I read the Nordic cross design, which goes all the way back to Denmark’s ancient Dannebrog, has long stood as a symbol of Christianity across the Scandinavian countries.

When Norway created its own flag in 1821, they kept that cross at the centre. The colours tell part of their history, but that cross remains a quiet testimony to the Christian heritage that helped shape the nation.

Nike took it even further with this year’s kit. Inside the blue cross they wove an intricate pattern inspired by the wood carvings of Urnes Stave Church, one of the oldest Christian buildings in Norway, dating back to around 1130.

It’s a beautiful reminder of the time when the gospel took root in that part of the world. Here we have a national team wearing a jersey that openly carries both the cross and a piece of early Christian art.

The Lord has a way of using even these things to point hearts back to Him.

While our own home nations don’t feature quite the same bold cross on the front of the shirt, it’s still good to remember that St George’s Cross for England and the Saltire for Scotland also have their roots in Christian history. The symbols may be used differently today, but they still whisper of the faith that shaped our lands.

Brothers in Christ to Watch on the Pitch

It always blesses me to see young men in the spotlight who aren’t ashamed to let people know they love the Lord Jesus. Here are a couple of brothers on the England squad who have been open about their faith:

Marc Guéhi (England defender)

⁠Online news site “Christian Today” says Marc is one of the most outspoken believers you’ll see playing today. He’s the son of a pastor, and he’s made it clear that his faith comes first.

You’ll often see him praying on the pitch, and he’s had Bible verses written on his boots, including that great promise from Isaiah 54:17, “No weapon forged against you will prevail.” He’s not afraid to speak the name of Jesus, even when it costs him something. That kind of boldness is a real encouragement to the body of Christ.

Bukayo Saka (England winger)

⁠”Premier Christianity” says that Bukayo has spoken many times about how the Lord has shaped his life. Raised in a Christian home, he makes it a habit to read his Bible every night, even during the pressure of a World Cup. He’s said things like, “I choose to put my faith in God,” and you’ll often see him pointing to heaven after a goal.

There’s a humility and a dependence on the Lord about him that reminds us where our real strength comes from.

On the Norway side, keep an eye on the young winger Antonio Nusa. Before his senior debut he said it plainly:

“I am a Christian. I always point to God when I have scored and when I enter the field. I thank God that I can experience this.”

At just twenty-one years old, he’s already showing that he wants to play for the glory of Jesus. That’s the kind of testimony that makes a father in the faith smile.

In a noisy and often confused world, it’s good to see these young men using the platform the Lord has given them. Let’s keep praying for them, that the Holy Spirit would fill them with His power, protect their hearts, and use their lives to draw many others to a real, personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Colossians 3:23