After an Emotional Loss to Belgium, the US Men's Team Continued to Give God the Glory

Aimee Herd : Jul 7, 2026
Breaking Christian News

"...Faith is not only for the nights when everything goes your way. It is also for the moments when the dream ends, the result hurts, and you still choose to turn to God..." -JesusMyGoal Facebook post

[Breaking Christian News] In the World Cup game on Monday, the US football (soccer) team had high hopes to advance in the round of 16 against Belgium. (Screengrab image: via YouTube-Sport and Faith)

However, although evening up their 1-0 deficit with a goal in the first half, they ultimately gave up 3 more, as the game ended in their defeat (4-1), and the end of their World Cup dreams for 2026.

But, as the broadcast cameras kept rolling, it wasn't long before the USMT players assembled on the field in their traditional circle of prayer, something they'd done after every competition, win or lose.

And even though the dream of going all the way on their home turf ended, the choice to give God glory no matter what, spoke volumes.

Many who noticed, posted about it on social media.

In a Facebook post by the nonprofit organization JesusMyGoal, the following thoughts were shared:

After being eliminated from the World Cup, Team USA came together in prayer. The loss to Belgium was a heartbreaking end to their tournament, but this moment said something powerful. Faith is not only for the nights when everything goes your way. It is also for the moments when the dream ends, the result hurts, and you still choose to turn to God. Our hope is not built on wins, trophies, or perfect circumstances. It is built on Jesus Christ, who remains faithful in every season. Win or lose, He is still worthy of all the glory. "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." -1Thessalonians 5:18

And Stuart Shepard, Senior Director of Multimedia, and Host of "First Liberty Live" at First Liberty Institute similarly posted:

Here's what I'm thinking: It's hard to lose on an international broadcast. It would be so, so easy to sulk, duck your head and slip into the locker room, away from the cameras, away from the eyes of thousands of disappointed fans. Instead—these young men circled up and prayed together right there on the field. Just as they have after each match. I'm grateful to Fox for keeping the cameras focused on the players so we could see. I'm moved by the players who are setting this example. They lost to Belgium, today. But they're winning something far more valuable. Anyway, that's what I'm thinking. What are you thinking? (Screengrab image: via YouTube-Sport and Faith)

One person commented on Stuart's post saying, "I will now watch soccer because of this, plus all of the love our country [we] received from foreign fans. USA! USA! USA!"

And another said: "It's so easy to pray and be thankful after a win but it's whole different thing to pray and be thankful after a loss, that's real faith!"

Real faith indeed. Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here