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It’s an international soccer football tournament where men’s national teams compete to be crowned the world champion. 

Hosted by FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association—French for International Federation of Association Football), the World Cup is held every four years and is the most-watched sporting event on the planet. 

This year’s Cup will be the biggest on record, with 48 teams competing across 104 games (see the full schedule) for the 18-carat ultimate prize.

How does it work?
Hold on to your kits. 

This year’s 48 teams have been split into 12 groups of four. Each team plays the other three in their group once. In this first “group stage,” teams are ranked based on a point system: three points for a win, one for a tie, and zero for a loss. The top two from each group, plus the eight best third-place teams (that’s 32 teams, so you don’t have to do the math), advance to the “knockout rounds.” 

The knockout rounds work like pretty much every other sports bracket. Single-elimination, winner takes all, no ties allowed…

Where is the World Cup hosted?
All over…

Much like the Olympics, the World Cup rotates host countries. And this year is actually the first time there’s been a tri-nation host (a hat-trick of hosts if you will…): Canada, Mexico, and the U.S.

So players will be gettin’ real familiar with putting their tray tables in an upright position (see the travel map), and fans will get to know North America’s finest dining (just see this German fan’s reaction to his first time at Waffle House).

Who’s favored to win?
Upsets are pretty rare… only eight countries have ever won the World Cup. Spain, France, and England are consistently ranked as top contenders (see every team’s odds).

"This year, two of the greats, Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, will make their final plays on the World Cup pitch, and all eyes are on France’s forward Kylian Mbappé, widely regarded as heir apparent to the sport’s throne, and Spain’s breakout star Lamine Yamal, looking to stake his claim on the crown."

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
Sports can be a field where spiritual fruit grows. Through sports, we experience the thrill of victory, resilience from defeat, the beauty of teamwork, and the delight of play. As you watch, cheer, and discuss sports, keep an eternal perspective by focusing on growing Christlike character, not just the scoreboard.  

“And not only that, but we also boast in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” 
Romans 5:3-5 (CSB) (read full passage)

The whole world is watching the same games. You could too… and you could turn it into something impactful far beyond the final whistle. 

As billions tune in for the World Cup, there’s a rare window of opportunity to open your home, invite your neighbors, and create the kind of gathering where real conversations actually happen. That’s the idea behind this free Host Kit—a collection of 10+ ready-to-use resources delivered straight to your inbox to help you plan and run a watch party that’s simple, fun, and genuinely meaningful. 

From set up to conversation starters, it’s all in there and won’t cost you a thing. Get your free World Cup Watch Party Host Kit here!

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This feel-good read. Charlie Finley wasn't raised like a normal boy… Reading about his quirky bed-and-breakfast, mean relatives, and the life-changing guests who shaped him is fun for any age. Written by TPO Reader Jake E., An Unusual and Adventurous Raising of Charlie Finley is a charming story for elementary to middle schoolers (or your full-grown self). Grab a copy today!*

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Top Resource: Our Summer Reading Guide (featuring confetti)! 

Top Christian Perspective: A response Christians can have when remembering that Governments have different priorities than God’s kingdom. Download and save it here.

Top Whipped Cream: Watching this pool change colors as it gets clean…

What Our Kids Get Excited About
Reading their GO Bible*

“GO” means something is about to change… a race, a test, a move. And that’s exactly what happens when kids dig into God’s Word. 

The GO Bible teaches kids how Jesus transforms who they are and gets them ready to share that good news with their friends. With over 600 kid-approved resources and full-color pages throughout, it keeps them engaged with Scripture so they can be rooted in Christ. It’s accurate, understandable, and designed to deepen your littles’ faith. 

Get ready, get set, and go get your kids a Bible they’ll never want to put down. Check out the GO Bible today!

A Prayer for the Sports Season

God our Creator, it’s here! The moment we’ve been waiting for. They’re just games… but You’re not booing from the sidelines. You delight in discipline, teamwork, perseverance, the comeback. You made us to do hard, beautiful things. 

Help me enjoy sports without giving them my heart. You are the only victor worthy of my affection; Your team has earned my wholehearted loyalty; and Your mission deserves my undivided focus. Use these games to train me so I’m fit for Your eternal kingdom. 

As I marvel at athletes’ commitment to their craft, teach me what it looks like to press on; to practice even when it’s boring; to endure even when it’s painstaking; to win the imperishable crown. As I celebrate wins alongside other fans, create in me a hunger for history’s greatest victory feast, where Your people from all nations will gather to shout for joy. Amen.

(You’ll still get our M/W/F news)