Several professional athletes have come together to give thanks to God during the heart of Pride Month.
The U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) defeated Paraguay with a convincing 4-1 win Friday. After the match, much of the USMNT made their way to the center circle and took a knee to form a prayer circle. The prayer was apparently led by U.S. star Mark McKenzie. (RELATED: Thierry Henry, Zlatan Ibrahimović Moved After FOX Colleague Alexi Lalas Gets Emotional During US National Anthem)
The moment went viral, with many Americans voicing their approval of the team’s display of faith. The executive director for the White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026, Andrew Giuliani, commented on the moment, saying, “God bless the America.”
God bless the America 🇺🇸 https://t.co/K0So7vNSas
— Andrew H. Giuliani (@AndrewHGiuliani) June 13, 2026
The USMNT was not the only team publicly displaying their faith. Felix Nmecha, a German midfielder, scored his team’s first goal and celebrated by kneeling, pointing to the sky and placing an imaginary crown on the pitch. After Germany dismantled Curaçao 7-1 on Sunday, players from both teams meet on the pitch to pray together.
“In the game we are opponents, but after the match we are all Christians and brothers. We simply said a little prayer together because we are all very grateful,” Nmecha said, according to Evangelical Focus.
HOUSTON, TEXAS – JUNE 14: Felix Nmecha Germany celebrates scoring his team’s first goal. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
This is not the first time Nmecha has been open about his faith, often sharing Bible verses on his social media.
Curaçao, one of the tournament’s biggest underdogs, broke the record for the smallest team to make the World Cup by territory and population and already had a reputation as a faith-based team, singing hymns during their qualifying phase.
The tournament continues through July 19.