14 World Cup teams, 14 World Watch List nations

On June 11, the biggest sporting event in the world begins: the FIFA World Cup. Some estimates suggest that around 6 billion people will watch the largest soccer matches in the world. Analysts believe that at least 1.5 billion people will watch the final alone.

In short, the 2026 FIFA World Cup may be the biggest sporting event in human history.

But even as the biggest stars in the soccer world gear up to play “the beautiful game,” an ugly reality lurks behind some of the celebrations. And that’s because in some of the countries represented at the World Cup, Christians are persecuted or discriminated against because of their faith in Jesus.

In fact, of the 48 nations represented at the World Cup, 14 of them are countries on Open Doors’ 2026 World Watch List, the annual ranking of the 50 places where it’s most difficult to be a Christian.

Obviously, just because a country is on the World Watch List doesn’t mean everyone in the country is dedicated to the persecution of Christians. It doesn’t mean you should root against a particular nation—we don’t know the hearts of athletes participating! The World Cup is meant to be a time to celebrate sportsmanship and peaceful competition—quite a noble goal.

But we can use the occasion of the 2026 World Cup to be more intentional in our prayers for God’s people who suffer for their faith in Him. Here are the 14 World Watch List countries participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup (in alphabetical order) along with their World Watch List ranking—plus ways you can pray with Christians living there even as the world’s eyes focus on the best footballers in the world:

Algeria (20)

Christians in Algeria bear a heavy burden. The country ranks number 20 on the 2026 World Watch List, and state pressure on Protestant Christians in Algeria has intensified to levels unseen in decades. Authorities have kept previously closed churches shut and ordered others to cease. As a result, all 47 churches under the Evangelical Protestant Church of Algeria (EPA) have halted their activities, and other independent churches have also stopped meeting due to fear of government action. These closures have strongly increased isolation among Algerian Christians, who are mostly converts from Islam.

Please stand with your Algerian brothers and sisters in prayer:

• Pray that Christians who have lost their places of worship will be able to find fellowship. Nearly every Protestant church in Algeria has been forced to close or has suspended services.
• Ask God to protect Christians who have converted from Islam. Conversion can be risky, both for the person who changes their faith and for anyone perceived to have shared the gospel with them.
• Pray for church leaders who are facing court cases for their commitment to the gospel. Pray they will be acquitted and able to continue to minister without harassment.

Colombia (47)

Some regions in Colombia are riddled with criminality—and that can make life very dangerous for Christians, especially church leaders who are involved in activities that threaten the influence of gangs and cartels.

Christians living in indigenous areas can also face opposition. Faced with accusations that they have betrayed local traditions by choosing to follow Jesus, Christians can be targeted for threats, discrimination, legal complaints and imprisonment.

Here’s how you can pray with God’s people in Colombia:

• Ask God to bring about peace, and that He would give His people strength to be peacemakers.
• Pray that God would protect believers who find Jesus in indigenous communities. Pray they would be accepted rather than oppressed.
• Christians living in places ruled by drug gangs are at risk. Pray with them for their protection.

Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) (29)

In eastern DRC, Christians face severe persecution amid violent conflict. The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), religious extremists with ties to the Islamic State group, have deliberately targeted Christian communities through massacres, abductions and the destruction of churches. Survivors report atrocities that are intended to eradicate the Christian presence.

Please pray with your brothers and sisters in the DRC:

• Believers in the DRC face violence and displacement for their faith in Jesus. Ask God to give them courage and hope, even when life seems impossible.
• Pray that the hearts of Islamic militants would be turned to Jesus and their crusade of hatred would be replaced by the peace and joy of the Lord.
• Ask God to make His people peacemakers among the different warring factions in the DRC.

Egypt (42)

In Egypt, most religious freedom violations happen at the community level. These include harassment of Christian women and mobs expelling Christians after alleged blasphemy. Incidents such as these take place mostly in rural areas of Upper Egypt and in some economically disadvantaged urban areas, especially when Islamic extremists are present. Additionally, converts from Islam can face intense persecution.

Pray with your Egyptian family:

• Many Christians are thought of as second-class citizens by Muslims in Egypt, especially in rural areas and villages. Believers are left with limited employment options and access only to dangerous jobs. Pray these believers would not be discouraged but would know their value in the eyes of the Lord.
• When Muslims convert to Christianity, it can lead to violent persecution. Pray against attacks and for peace.
• Open Doors partners in Egypt work to help overturn cultural norms that are damaging to families. Pray that God will work through these efforts and that parents and children will be strengthened.

Iran (10)

Even as it continues to engage in periodic attacks and missile volleys, Iran will be sending a team of players to compete in the World Cup.

Christians in Iran continue to suffer under the ruling regime. They are heavily and systemically repressed, as the authorities seek to root out what they see as a threat from the West to undermine their Islamic rule.

Converts are in the firing line. House churches are commonly raided, often followed by arrests, interrogations, pressure to inform on other believers and long-term imprisonment.

The war has changed the situation somewhat, as all Iranians are facing significant difficulties due to bombardment, but it continues to be incredibly difficult for followers of Jesus in Iran.

Here’s how you can pray:

• In the aftermath of conflicts, Iranian Christians report even harsher treatment at the hands of the authorities. Pray that God will ease these tensions.
• Secret churches are growing, but they are always at risk. Pray for believers who put everything on the line to gather and worship.
• The number of church leaders imprisoned in Iran continues to be high. Pray for their release and the comfort of the Holy Spirit.

Iraq (18)

Historical and Evangelical churches alike in Iraq face threats of violence, intolerance and discrimination, especially from Islamic extremists and non-Christian leaders. They also encounter discrimination from government agencies.

Iraqi Christians who convert from Islam face pressure from their families and society and risk violence and loss of rights.

But the main pressure on Iraqi Christians comes from Iranian-backed Shia militias.

You can stand with Christians in Iraq by praying with them:

• Converting to Christianity from Islam can have terrible consequences in Iraq. Ask God to protect these converts from harm—and to help them know they are not alone.
• The church in Iraq is still working to reestablish itself, almost a decade after Islamic State group militants inflicted generational trauma. Pray that believers would be able to be salt and light and that God would bless those called to stay.
• In a stark reminder that Islamic extremism is still alive in Iraq, a man with ties to the Islamic State group attacked Christians in April 2025. Pray for the victims and that the roots of this hatred would be changed by Jesus’ overwhelming love.

Jordan (49)

Most Christians in Jordan belong to Orthodox or Roman Catholic churches and generally enjoy a relatively high degree of religious freedom. Even so, they may face discrimination in employment, government monitoring and restrictions on public preaching.

Christians who convert from Islam risk violence or significant opposition from their families or extremist groups if they openly express their faith. Unrecognized churches, especially those that evangelize, may face harassment from the authorities.

Please pray with God’s people in Jordan:

• Under the leadership of King Abdallah, many believers in Jordan are able to worship openly. Thank God for this and ask Him to continue to make the monarchy aware of how the Jordanian church is a force for good in society.
• Conversion from Islam can be quite risky in Jordan. Pray for those who have lost friends or family because they follow Jesus.
• Pray that those called to share their faith can do so boldly and safely.

Mexico (30)

Mexico is one of the host nations for the 2026 World Cup. And yet, in parts of Mexico, following Jesus can carry a significant cost.

The pervasive and widespread presence of criminal groups in Mexico puts many Christians in danger, particularly those who bravely seek to oppose criminality. Efforts by the authorities to address the issue have largely been ineffective, leaving vulnerable believers unprotected and without justice. In many places, cartels operate with near impunity, even infiltrating or replacing local authorities.

Persecution also affects believers living in indigenous communities.

Here’s how you can pray:

• Christians living in some areas of southern Mexico encounter heavy persecution when they share the good news of Jesus. Pray that God will protect and encourage these brave believers.
• Cartels are an ever-present danger in many parts of Mexico. Pray that God will thwart any plans for evil.
• Pray for Open Doors local partners as they seek to encourage and walk alongside Mexican believers.

Morocco (23)

Despite being increasingly influenced by the West, Morocco retains a strong Islamic identity, making it dangerous for anyone who chooses to follow Jesus—particularly young people.

A huge challenge for Christians, both Moroccan and foreign, is that it is illegal to “shake the faith of a Muslim.” That means any conversation about faith can be fraught with risk, potentially leading to arrest.

Converts can encounter intense pressure to renounce their faith, with tactics including isolation, expulsion, violence and even superstitious treatments by imams (Muslim leaders). Converts can lose their jobs.

But you can pray with your Moroccan sisters and brothers right now:

• Moroccan church leaders have expressed the need for leadership training and growth. Pray for God to answer these needs.
• Women who convert to Christianity can face severe persecution from their families and community. Pray these sisters would find fellowship.
• Pray that Christians will be wise and courageous as they live out their faith in Morocco.

Qatar (44)

Qatar was the most recent host of the World Cup. The situation for Christians was dangerous then—and remains dangerous now. Whether native or migrant, Christians in Qatar can face huge obstacles to expressing and sharing their faith.

Additionally, life can be very difficult for Qatari converts, not least because changing religion from Islam is not recognized by the authorities. Conversion can cause serious legal issues around personal status and property. Added pressure can come from families and the local community.

Please pray:

• Qatar’s population is about 88% foreign. Praise God for the churches and church leaders who serve expatriate communities, and that they can do so openly.
• Native Qataris are unable to freely convert from Islam. Pray that there would be freedom of faith.
• Ask God to protect secret Christian converts in Qatar, that they would be safe from harm or arrest.

Saudi Arabia (13)

Saudi Arabia was awarded the 2034 World Cup, already attracting significant pushback because of its human rights record. That includes the right of freedom of belief (or not to believe).

Nationalism and Islam are intertwined in Saudi Arabia, with Mecca and Medina venerated as significant sites by all Muslims worldwide. All Saudi citizens are considered Muslim, and Islamic principles and writings govern the way the country functions.

Converting from Islam technically carries the death sentence, though there has been no recent documentation of official executions for this offence. Public churches are banned, and converts must try to keep their faith a secret. Otherwise, they face being disowned and attacked by their families and clans.

Here’s how you can pray for those who follow Jesus in Saudi Arabia:

• Even though there are more than 2 million Christians in Saudi Arabia, there are no legal public churches. Ask God to make a way for believers to find fellowship with one another.
• Pray for expatriate believers who meet in secret, that they can continue to worship without hindrance.
• Ask God to reach people in Saudi Arabia through dreams and visions, and that they would find opportunities for discipleship.

Tunisia (31)

Christians in Tunisia are subject to increasing surveillance by the authorities. Believers who are monitored can be arrested and questioned and have their homes searched.

For the first time, authorities made unprecedented arrests of foreign Christians.

Due to hostility, Tunisian converts feel forced to conceal their faith, leading to isolation as they are unable to gather for worship and mutual support.

Please pray with your Tunisian family:

• As protests continue against one-party rule, pray that God would bring about freedom for His people in Tunisia to practice their faith.
• Converts from Islam can face substantial persecution. Ask God to protect these believers.
• While foreign Christians are often allowed to worship freely, Tunisian Christians don’t share that same freedom. Pray that followers of Jesus would find fellowship and grow in discipleship.

Türkiye (41)

Persecution in Türkiye is often driven by the notion that to be Turkish is to be Muslim. Anyone who openly practices a different faith, especially if they convert from Islam, is often regarded as betraying and dishonoring their family and their nation. This results in widespread discrimination.

Converts from Islam are vulnerable to harassment, rejection and threats of violence from both family members and radical Islamic groups. Many feel compelled to hide their faith and lead a double life. However, others boldly and openly live out their faith, reflecting diversity both within the Turkish church, as well as within Turkish society.

Here are some prayer requests from your family in Türkiye:

• Some politicians and leaders in Türkiye believe that all Turks should be Muslim. Pray for a softening of hearts and that people throughout the country will see the love and hope of Jesus in the lives of Christians.
• Praise God that so many Turkish believers can worship openly. Ask Him to bless their worship and empower them to carry out the Great Commission.
• When Muslims in Türkiye convert to follow Jesus, they can be shunned by their families and communities. Pray that these believers would find a sense of belonging and hope in the family of God.

Uzbekistan (25)

Despite being a secular state, Uzbekistan can be an enormously challenging place for its small pocket of Christians to express and share their faith.

Churches can be hindered by cumbersome and unattainable restrictions. Churches that fail to fall in line with government protocols are in danger of raids, arrests, threats and heavy fines. Converts from Islam can face strong opposition from their families and community.

Please pray:

• Churches and church leaders often come under surveillance by the authorities. Pray they would be able to lead others without harassment or harm.
• Non-registered churches are especially targeted and raided. Ask God to protect believers who risk so much simply to meet and worship Him.
• Ask that converts from Islam in Uzbekistan, who are often pressured by family, community and government to recant, will receive God’s grace and hope.

Cover Image Credit:  TaurusEmerald, WikiMedia Commons, CC4.0