YouVersion Bible App to Host Special World Cup Bible Reading Challenge
The YouVersion Bible app will host a special challenge for Bible readers worldwide that will coincide with the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Between June 11 and July 19, the same time the grand tournament takes place, the Bible app will run a Mid-Year Bible League, in which those who have the app open for seven days in a row will receive a special badge and represent their nation. Meanwhile, the winning country will be the one that has the most time spent in the Word of God.
“Great athletes don’t just show up to the game; they put the work in behind the scenes, even when no one is watching. Our spiritual lives require that same daily dedication,” Nando Valente, YouVersion’s Brazil Hub Leader, said of the scripture challenge.
“This challenge isn’t just about celebrating sports; it’s about helping people around the world build lifelong Bible engagement habits. Watching millions seek God’s Word daily, alongside athletes who inspire them, is a powerful reminder that true growth happens when we consistently commit our time to Scripture.”
The app will also feature testimonies from well-known soccer players who are professing Christians, including Kaká (Brazil), Juan Cuadrado (Colombia), Santiago Gimenez (Mexico), Ronald Araújo (Uruguay), Jorginho (Italy), and Walker Zimmerman (USA).
The YouVersion Bible app is presently the most downloaded bible app in the world. Readers have access to over 3,600 Bible translations in over 2,300 languages. Last year, the Bible app celebrated one billion downloads since its creation in 2007 by pastor Bobby Gruenenwald from Life. Church.
This year's World Cup will mark the first time three nations will host the tournament (USA, Mexico, and Canada), with the final game taking place at Met Life Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, near New York City on July 19. Approximately 48 teams will compete, which is an increase from the past number of 32 teams.
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Originally published June 05, 2026.
