Faith and FIFA: Religion at the World Cup

Faith and FIFA: Religion at the World Cup

Author: Interfaith Alliance July 12, 2026 Duration: 51:41
Have you noticed how faith and belief have been showing up on one of the biggest stages in sports? From prayer circles to Islamic sujood, religion is shining bright at the World Cup. Religion News Service’s Madhiha Anis wrote about the various expressions of faith and belief on the global stage in an article headlined "From Christian Prayer Circles to Sujood, Religion Is All Over the 2026 World Cup." She joins host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush to explore her observations. It's striking how these rituals aren’t just rituals—they’re powerfully real expressions of identity and hope. It’s a reminder that behind every goal, there’s a person carrying their beliefs, their culture, their whole self into the match. Also with us: RNS National Reporter Jack Jenkins , with his take on the Cup as well as how religion is influencing our political debates, particularly around the anniversary of America’s 250th year and during midterm elections. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosted by Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, The State Of Belief is a weekly conversation that lives at the intersection of faith and public life, presented by the Interfaith Alliance. Each episode brings together a thoughtful and often surprising mix of voices-from religious leaders and activists to artists and civic strategists-for discussions that are as engaging and humorous as they are deeply meaningful. These dialogues move beyond abstract theory, offering a grounded look at how spiritual wisdom informs practical action and political engagement in real time. Tuning in, you’ll hear a potent blend of personal stories, strategic insight, and hopeful analysis from people working on the front lines of communities nationwide. The podcast operates from a simple but vital premise, captured in its tagline: “Where Religion and Democracy Meet.” It’s a space designed not for debate, but for exploration, examining how diverse beliefs shape our collective pursuit of justice and democracy. If you’re looking for a source that takes the pulse of faith in America with intelligence, warmth, and a sense of urgency, this is the series for you.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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