07/06/2026
# HOW WE USED THE FIFA WORLD CUP TO WIN SOULS FOR CHRIST
# # A Practical Evangelism Strategy Every Church Can Replicate During the 2026 FIFA World Cup
**By Rev. Prince A. Kpasra (IT4Pastors)**
Many churches spend large amounts of money on evangelism but struggle to attract unbelievers into the church building. During the FIFA World Cup, however, millions of people are actively looking for places to watch football.
In the last World Cup that Ghana participated in, our church turned football fans into ministry opportunities and used the excitement of the tournament to bring people into the presence of God.
The result was remarkable:
* Between **18 and 24 new souls** responded to Christ during major matches.
* Many repeat visitors became regular friends of the church.
* New relationships were established with people who would never have attended a normal church service.
* The church became known in the community as a welcoming and caring place.
This is the strategy we used and one I recommend every church consider for the **2026 FIFA World Cup.**
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# STEP 1: SEE THE WORLD CUP AS A MISSION FIELD
Most people see football as entertainment.
We chose to see it as an evangelism opportunity.
Where crowds gather, ministry opportunities exist.
Instead of competing with the World Cup, we decided to use it as a bridge to the Gospel.
Jesus often went where people were already gathered and used those moments to teach spiritual truths.
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# STEP 2: ADVERTISE THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY
We designed attractive banners and posters announcing:
# # # WATCH THE WORLD CUP LIVE HERE
Features included:
* Giant Screen Viewing
* Free Entry
* Free Drinking Water
* Free Soft Drinks
* Safe Environment
* Comfortable Seating
We placed banners:
* Near roads
* At shops
* Around schools
* At transport stations
* In strategic locations within the community
The objective was simple:
**Get people into the church building.**
Once people enter the church, they are more open to relationships and ministry.
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# STEP 3: CREATE A COMFORTABLE VIEWING ENVIRONMENT
People will not stay if they are uncomfortable.
We prepared:
* Chairs
* Fans
* Drinking water
* Soft drinks
* Clean washrooms
* Good sound system
* Large television/projector screen
The church environment was welcoming and organized.
Visitors felt respected and valued.
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# STEP 4: SHOW BOTH GHANA MATCHES AND BIG INTERNATIONAL MATCHES
We discovered that attendance was highest during:
# # # Ghana Matches
Patriotism attracts crowds.
# # # Major International Matches
Examples:
* Brazil
* Argentina
* Germany
* England
* France
* Portugal
Particularly knockout-stage matches attracted large audiences.
The bigger the match, the greater the evangelism opportunity.
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# STEP 5: USE HALFTIME FOR MINISTRY
This was one of the most effective parts of the strategy.
During halftime:
* Free drinks were distributed.
* Visitors relaxed and became more receptive.
* A church elder or leader shared a short Gospel message.
The message was:
# # # Short
# # # Clear
# # # Non-confrontational
# # # Christ-centered
Usually 5–10 minutes.
The goal was not to preach a full sermon.
The goal was to present Christ clearly.
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# STEP 6: PRESENT A SALVATION OPPORTUNITY
After the short message:
We invited anyone who wanted to:
* Give their life to Christ
* Rededicate their life
* Receive prayer
Many people responded because:
* They had already spent time in a positive church environment.
* Relationships had already started forming.
* They felt safe and welcomed.
We used decision cards/forms to record responses.
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# STEP 7: REGISTER EVERY ATTENDEE
One of the most important lessons:
# # # Don't let visitors leave anonymously.
At the entrance we established a registration desk.
We collected:
* Name
* Phone Number
* Community
* Favorite Team (optional and fun)
* Prayer Request
This allowed us to:
* Follow up later
* Invite them to church programs
* Send encouragement messages
* Build long-term relationships
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# STEP 8: DEPLOY A WELCOME TEAM
A few committed church members were assigned to:
* Welcome guests
* Help visitors find seats
* Distribute drinks
* Start conversations
* Pray with interested people
* Introduce visitors to church leaders
This prevented guests from feeling isolated.
People often return to places where they feel known.
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# STEP 9: PROVIDE SECURITY
Good security is ministry.
We assigned trusted church members to:
* Monitor entrances
* Protect equipment
* Manage parking
* Ensure order
* Assist visitors
A safe environment encouraged families and repeat attendance.
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# STEP 10: FOLLOW UP IMMEDIATELY
The real work begins after the match.
Within a few days:
* Calls were made.
* WhatsApp messages were sent.
* Visitors were invited to Sunday services.
* New believers received discipleship support.
This transformed one-time football attendees into church contacts and friends.
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# RESULTS WE EXPERIENCED
Through this strategy:
✓ 18–24 souls responded during major matches.
✓ Many visitors attended repeatedly throughout the tournament.
✓ New relationships were established in the community.
✓ Several visitors later attended church services and programs.
✓ The church became more visible and relevant within the community.
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# RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IT4PASTORS AFRICA NETWORK FOR THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP
Every participating church should consider:
# # # Before the Tournament
* Create banners and flyers.
* Promote on Facebook and WhatsApp.
* Recruit volunteers.
* Prepare registration forms.
* Organize refreshments.
# # # During Each Match
* Welcome visitors.
* Register attendees.
* Show the match professionally.
* Share refreshments.
* Present a brief Gospel message at halftime.
* Offer prayer and salvation opportunities.
# # # After Each Match
* Follow up contacts.
* Add visitors to WhatsApp groups.
* Invite them to church services.
* Connect them with mature believers.
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# FINAL CHALLENGE
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will attract the attention of millions of people across Africa.
While many churches see football as a distraction, wise churches can see it as an evangelism opportunity.
If every church in the IT4PASTORS AFRICA NETWORK wins only 10 souls through this strategy, together we could reach hundreds or even thousands of people with the Gospel during a single tournament.
**The World Cup lasts for a few weeks, but the souls won can impact eternity.**
Let's use every available opportunity to bring people to Christ.
**Football may draw the crowd, but Jesus transforms lives.** ⚽✝️🙏
