The United States Men’s National Team gathered in prayer after its win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32. It was a powerful moment to praise the Lord on the world’s biggest stage.
This has been a reoccurring theme for the Americans as they look to make history on home soil.
Each and every soccer match at the World Cup has been followed by a brief moment of worship. It serves as a great reminder that we are indeed one nation, under God.
The United States men’s soccer team is rooted in faith.
This current generation of American soccer players is considered to be the most talented group in the program’s history. They are led by the most successful coach in the program’s history.
Mauricio Pochettino already became the winningest United States Men’s National Team manager at the World Cup with the win over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday night. He believes in his players. His players believe in him. Why not us?
Though the Stars and Stripes were reduced to 10 men following a bogus red card in the 64th minute, the United States held on to score another goal while short-sided and held the shutout. Poch delievered an incredible message to his team after the send off. They must believe in themselves. They must fight for each other.
And they did.
In addition to their belief in self, the Americans believe in a higher power. Faith in God is at the center of this organization.
Mark McKenzie gathers his teammates in prayer at the World Cup.
Santa Clara was jubilant when the final whistle declared a 2-0 victory for the United States on Wednesday night. The entire stadium joined voice for a sing-a-long of John Denver’s biggest hit.
'Take Me Home, Country Roads' plays in San Francisco Bay Area Stadium after the @USMNT Knockout Stage victory 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/tBtFoqh0xC
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 2, 2026
Pochettino, an Argentine national, pumped his fist to ‘Free Bird.’
Mauricio Pochettino celebrating with @USMNT fans as "Free Bird" plays 🦅 pic.twitter.com/pfN7seXS35
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 2, 2026
Meanwhile, Chris Richards (who played out of his mind, especially during the second half) immediately dropped to his knees. He took a quiet moment to praise God before he joined his teammates in celebration.
Not too long thereafter, Mark McKenzie led his teammates in prayer at midfield. “Heavenly Father we thank You right now for this day You’ve made. Thank You for the victory, You deserve all the honor and praise, Amen.”
Mark McKenzie leads the @USMNT's postgame prayer after the victory 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/RnI7WgFGIa
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 2, 2026
He has done this after each and every round at the World Cup.
Christian Pulisic posted an extremely powerful photo photo of him and his teammates circled together in prayer after the group stage. McKenzie commented with Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. It reads: “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.”
The message directly corresponds to the ethos of the American side at the World Cup on home turf.
As Poch said, the United States Men’s National Team must rely on each other to “touch the moon.” As the Bible says, companions form a strong and unbreakable bond that can help each other up and defend against danger.