Mission: ONE Cup. ONE Goal.

BEYOND THE CUP

Be on mission in Houston this summer as the world gathers here for the World Cup. Join us in praying, serving, and connecting through outreach, sports ministry, and watch parties—all with one goal: to share one hope in Jesus Christ.

Resources
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Prayer

Commit to pray for our city and the nations arriving in Houston.

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Evangelism

Step into the crowds and share the hope of Jesus.

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Serve Through Sports

Use the game to connect with kids, teens, and young adults.

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Serve the City

Support those affected by injustice and trafficking.

Commit to Pray

The city of Houston will host up to 500,000 visitors in June and July during the World Cup. As a church, we are asking God to move in our city, among the nations, and through His people.

Houston's First Prayer

Join the Prayer Team

Register Here to join the official Beyond the Cup Prayer Team and receive prayer updates.

Register
7 JUN

Houston World Cup Prayer Luncheon

Gather with believers across the city to pray ahead of the tournament.

Register

7 Ways to Pray During the World Cup

Pray that every visitor coming to our city would encounter genuine hospitality and the love of Christ.

Ask God to draw people from every nation to Himself. Ask God to prepare hearts before they even arrive in Houston.

Pray that visitors would encounter unusual kindness, peace, and hospitality that points them to Christ.

Ask that conversations, relationships, and even brief interactions would be divinely orchestrated.

Pray that God would draw people from every nation to Himself (John 12:32).

9 After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!
Revelation 7:9

Pray especially for the following nations when international fans are gathered across the city:

  • Sunday, June 14 – Germany vs. Curacao
  • Wednesday, June 17 – Portugal vs. Congo DR
  • Saturday, June 20 – Netherlands vs. Sweden
  • Tuesday, June 23 – Portugal vs. Uzbekistan
  • Friday, June 26 – Cabo Verde vs. Saudi Arabia
  • Monday, June 29 – Round 32; Winner of Group C vs. Runner up Group F; @ 12:00pm

International Prayer Guide: 48 Nations. One tournament. Pray for them all using this prayer guide by Global Gates.

Pray for meaningful conversations, divine appointments, and boldness to share Jesus.

Pray for clarity and courage for believers to share Jesus genuinely, and faithfully.

Ask that spiritual hunger would rise in people who came for something else.

Pray that many would encounter a hope that goes far beyond the Cup—found only in Christ.

Pray especially during:

Prayer Walking & Evangelism Days (June 14, 20, 23, 26, 29)

  • Pray for teams to be Spirit-led and bold
  • Pray for open conversations and receptive hearts
  • Pray for protection and unity within each team
2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.
Colossians 4:2-4

Ask God to protect them physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Pray for wisdom under pressure and discernment in every situation.

Ask that they would serve with integrity and endurance.

Pray that they would return home safely to their families each day.

Pray especially:

  • On major game days and large public gatherings
  • During high-traffic events and celebrations
5 The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand.
Psalm 121:5

Pray for safety in every stadium, street, park, and gathering place.

Pray against violence, accidents, and harm.

Ask that plans of darkness would be disrupted and exposed.

Pray for peace to mark the atmosphere of the city.

Pray especially during:

  • Soccer festivals, tournaments, and outreach gatherings
  • Nights and weekends when crowds are largest
7 The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. 8 The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.
Psalm 121:7-8

Pray for victims of human trafficking and injustice.

Ask God to expose hidden darkness and bring truth into the light.

Pray for protection over the vulnerable and at-risk people.

Pray for rescue, restoration, and healing for victims.

Pray for organizations and ministries working on the front lines.

Pray especially during:

  • Days games are hosted in the city

Organizations and Ministries:

  • Freedom Church Alliance
  • Elijah Rising
18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.
Luke 4:18

Pray for unity among churches and ministries across the city.

Pray that believers would serve with humility, joy, and love.

Pray that the Church would reflect Jesus clearly to the nations.

Pray especially for these events:

Winning Houston Soccer Camp (June 6)

  • Pray for Mission Centers of Houston as they serve the community through this event
  • Pray for every child and teenager attending
  • Ask that relationships would form and seeds of the gospel would be planted
  • Pray for volunteers to serve with a servant heart, excitement, and intentionality

Mini-World Cup – Faith Center Spring Branch (July 9)

  • Pray for the 70+ children and youth attending
  • Ask for joy and openness to the gospel
  • Pray for volunteers to represent Christ well

Kingdom Cup Soccer Outreach (July 11)

  • Pray for strong turnout, especially among the non-churched
  • Pray for meaningful connections and spiritual conversations
  • Pray that young adults would encounter authentic community and an invitation

Domingo Mundial Watch Party (July 28 & July 19)

  • Pray for a strong turnout as Houston's First en Español invites families to attend
  • Pray for new connections to the church and meaningful conversations
  • Pray for Houston's First en Español as they serve
14 You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16

Pray that the impact of this moment would continue long after the tournament ends through faith in Jesus, changed lives, and a new hope.

Ask that what begins during this season would continue long after it ends.

Pray for salvation and discipleship.

Ask that families would be restored and lives redirected toward Christ.

Pray that seeds planted would bear fruit in Houston and in the nations as people return home.

Pray especially:

  • After each event concludes
  • For follow-up conversations, relationships, and discipleship opportunities
  • For long-term gospel impact across the world

Closing Prayer

Lord, use this moment to reach the nations right here in Houston. Let Your love be seen, Your gospel be heard, and Your kingdom advance. May what happens during this season be for your glory.

In Jesus' name, amen.

Evangelism

Be part of a team of 3–5 people stepping into the crowds, building connections, starting conversations, and sharing the hope of Jesus. Teams gather for prayer, a meal, and a brief equipping time before going out.

Houston's First Prayer
14 JUN

Prayer Walk & Share the Gospel

Germany vs. Curacao. Step into the crowds and share the hope of Jesus.

Register
20 JUN

Prayer Walk & Share the Gospel

Netherlands vs. Sweden.

Register
23 JUN

Prayer Walk & Share the Gospel

Portugal vs. Uzbekistan.

Register
26 JUN

Prayer Walk & Share the Gospel

Cabo Verde vs. Saudi Arabia.

Register

Serve through Sports

Step into the excitement of the World Cup by using sports to connect with people across our city–every moment an opportunity to share the hope of Jesus.

Houston's First Prayer
6 JUN

Winning Houston Soccer Camp

Sat, June 6 @ 2–7p
Partner with Mission Centers of Houston to host a soccer clinic for children and teenagers. All volunteers must meet Safeguarding screening requirements.

Join the Interest List
9 JUL

Mini-World Cup @ Faith Center–Spring Branch

Thu, July 9 @ 9a–1:30p
A day of soccer, games, and fun for children and teenagers. All volunteers must meet Safeguarding screening requirements.

Join the Interest List
11 JUL

Kingdom Cup Houston: More Than a Game

Sat, July 11 @ 9a–3p
A soccer tournament for young adults across our city. Peek Sports TX, 4060 Peek Rd, Katy, TX 77449.

Register

Watch Party Outreach

Watching the World Cup together creates natural, low-pressure opportunities for connection and meaningful conversations. Invite others to join a watch party–or host one of your own.

12 JUN

USA vs. Paraguay Watch Party

Fri, June 12 @ 7:30–10:30p
Downtown Campus.

Register
28 JUN

Domingos de Mundial

28 de junio & 19 de julio @ 2p
Houston's First en Español invita a las familias a reunirse para ver los partidos después del servicio en español.

Registro

Host Your Own Watch Party

Open your home to host a fun watch party and point people to hope in Jesus. A free resource by Victory Beyond the Cup.

Get the Resource

Serve the City

Be part of compassionate relief and rescue by supporting individuals affected by human trafficking–helping meet practical needs as part of a wholistic response.

Houston's First Prayer
27 JUN

Love Her, Serve Her

Sat, June 27 @ 8:30a–Noon – A morning of connection and service as the women of our church support ministries serving women, including assembling intervention bags for Elijah Rising.

Register

Volunteer with Elijah Rising

Support Elijah Rising's efforts to end human trafficking, particularly as they respond to the increase expected when Houston hosts large-scale events.

Learn More

Resources for Families & Groups

World Cup Prayer Guide

Pray intentionally before, during, and after each event with this guide for your family or group.

View Guide

International Prayer Guide

48 nations. One tournament. Pray for them all using this guide by Global Gates.

Open Guide

Host a Watch Party

A free resource by Victory Beyond the Cup to help families and groups gather around the game.

Get the Resource

Questions? Email Missions@HoustonsFirst.org