World Cup Archives

Lavelle’s Catholic alma mater cheers her goals, team’s World Cup victory

Jul 9, 2019

Rose Lavelle skyrocketed from a star player, loping across the soccer fields at her Catholic girls high school in Cincinnati, to a superstar, scoring three goals for the U.S. women’s team at the World Cup and winning the Bronze Ball as the third-best player in the tournament.

By Elizabeth Bachmann

France vs. Croatia: A Catholic World Cup breakdown

Jul 14, 2018

On Sunday, France and Croatia will square off on the soccer pitch for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final. What team will U.S. Catholics root for as two historically Catholic countries face off?

By JD Flynn

Croatia’s World Cup soccer coach clings to the rosary as he finds success

Jul 12, 2018

Croatia is a deeply Catholic country, and the coach of its national team, Zlatko Dalic, is a man of sincere faith.

By Catholic News Agency

Does faith get a yellow card at the FIFA World Cup?

Jul 6, 2018

As a passionate soccer fan, Jennifer Bryson has been faithfully watching every game she can during the 2018 FIFA World Cup. But as a religious freedom expert, she’s found herself wondering how, and why, soccer authorities regulate the many religious expressions on display in the international soccer tournament.

By Courtney Grogan

World Cup: ‘We’ll see how Argentina does,’ Pope said when asked about tournament

Jun 30, 2018

Pope Francis may not watch TV, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t following Argentina’s progress in the World Cup.

By Inés San Martín

For Pope Francis, soccer’s both a passion and a Gospel strategy

Jun 23, 2018

Pope Francis is an avid soccer fan, but for him the sport’s also an expression of a Church that gets out of the sacristy and into the streets.

By Inés San Martín

Rome summit ponders Heidegger and the trepidation of a soccer goal

Jun 20, 2018

The German philosopher, Martin Heidegger, has something to teach sports fans.

By Claire Giangravè

Ukraine’s Greek Catholic chief sees ‘no choice’ but dialogue with Russia

Jun 14, 2018

Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuck, head of Ukraine’s Greek Catholic Church, wants reconciliation with Russia, but warns that “doesn’t mean to be reconciled with lies, or fake news.”

By Claire Giangravè