YouVersion, whose family of Bible apps have been installed on more than 1 billion devices worldwide, is inviting people everywhere to open God's Word during the 2026 World Cup. The YouVersion Mid-Year Challenge will run alongside the tournament from June 11 to July 19, giving people worldwide a community-driven way to build the daily habit of engaging with Scripture. The challenge will be supported by daily Guided Scripture videos from globally recognized Christian athletes and encourage friendly competition between nations.
Much like elite athletes who put in the hard work when no one is watching, true spiritual growth happens through daily, consistent time in God's Word. This year's Global Mid-Year Bible Challenge invites people around the world to build that habit during the 39 days of the World Cup and, for the first time, to do it alongside their country. Nations will compete to see which country is spending the most time in Scripture. Those who open the Bible App for seven days in a row will earn an exclusive badge and represent their nation while building a habit that lasts well beyond the final whistle.
"Great athletes don't just show up to the game; they put the work in behind the scenes, even when no one is watching," said Nando Valente, YouVersion Brazil Hub Leader. "Our spiritual lives require that same daily dedication. 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 Bible App will feature a lineup of prominent Christian soccer players from different generations and teams sharing daily Guided Scripture videos inside the app. Beginning with legendary player Kaká (Brazil), videos will also be available from Juan Cuadrado (Colombia), Santiago Gimenez (Mexico), Ronald Araújo (Uruguay), Lucas Moura (Brazil), Jorginho (Italy), Walker Zimmerman (USA), Jonathan Mensah (Ghana) and many others. Through personal testimonies of how God's Word guides their lives, challenges, and careers, these videos reveal what each of these athletes holds as their true mark of success: not trophies or titles, but their relationship with God. That's the invitation for every viewer to recognize that same truth in their own life.
For those engaging in English, Spanish, Portuguese and Afrikaans, the Bible App is also introducing dedicated sections featuring localized, sports-themed Bible Plans focused on purpose, perseverance, and leadership, developed in collaboration with local churches and pastors. This reflects YouVersion's commitment to real personalization: not just translating, but creating content that speaks to each person in their native language and cultural context.
"Historically, major events move people toward life's deepest questions. The World Cup brings billions of eyes together at the same time, and behind every one of those eyes are stories, pain, and longing," said Pablo Langlois, YouVersion Latin America Hub Leader. "The Bible has something to say to each one of them. That is why we are inviting every country to take part in this mid-year Bible challenge. Our hope is that, during these 39 days, someone who has never read the Bible will take that first step and discover that the truth of God's Word can change everything."
People everywhere can join the YouVersion Mid-Year Bible Challenge by downloading the Bible App at bible.com.