From 48-8

Forty-eight national teams have been reduced to just eight as the second knockout round of the World Cup is now concluded. The three host countries (Canada, Mexico, and the U.S.) all lost in the round of 16, and quarterfinal play begins on Thursday.

There was controversy in the leadup to the U.S./Belgium game (which Belgium ultimately won 4-1) surrounding the eligibility of American striker Folarin Balogun, who was given a controversial red card in the first knockout round and therefore automatically suspended for the next game. Balogun was reinstated, however, after U.S. President Donald Trump called the president of FIFA and asked for a review of the suspension. Ultimately, Balogun was allowed to play, but Belgium prevailed and advanced.

Analysis and eternal perspective: World Cup fever has swept the world, and that certainly includes the United States, which is co-hosting the event for the first time since 1994. While the elimination of the host countries will certainly diminish the local rooting interests, the remaining two weeks of the tournament are still expected to draw large crowds and significant attention.

We have together as The Equipped community been considering how to welcome the nations of the world in a way that makes disciples of Jesus Christ, and that should continue to be our focus.

Sporting events—especially major ones like the World Cup—often stir up intense emotions. While this has the potential to accentuate conflict, it also presents an opportunity for Jesus followers to demonstrate “peculiar” love for both neighbor and sporting adversary (1 Pet. 2:9). As the World Cup moves closer to completion, take a moment today to consider how it can be a catalyst for your participation in the Great Commission!