in 2022, Qatar (above) hosted the World Cup. Now, it is one 14 participating nations where Christians experience high levels of persecution. Here’s how you can be praying for each one.
This month, the eyes of the sporting world will be on North America, as the 2026 World Cup comes to Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
Of the 48 countries participating, 14 of them are found on Open Doors’ 2026 World Watch List, a ranking of the countries where Christians experience the most persecution.
When you tune into the World Cup this summer, why not take time to pray for your persecuted brothers and sisters who call these countries home?
Algeria
- Nearly every Protestant church in Algeria has been forced to close or has suspended services. Pray that the Christians who have lost their places of worship will be able to find fellowship.
- Ask God to protect Christians who have converted from Islam. Conversion can be risky both for the person who changes their faith and for anyone perceived to have shared the gospel with them.
- Pray for church leaders who are facing court cases for their commitment to the gospel. Pray they will be acquitted and able to continue to minister without harassment.
Colombia
- The armed conflict has once again intensified. It’s a reminder that any peace in the country is tenuous. Ask God to bring about peace, and that He would give His people strength to be peacemakers.
- Pray that God would protect believers who find Jesus in indigenous communities. Pray they would be accepted rather than oppressed.
- Christians living in places ruled by drug gangs are at risk. Pray with them for their protection.
Democratic Republic of the Congo
- It was another year of horrific violence in the DRC. Pray for peace and that stability would come to the country.
- Believers in the DRC face violence and displacement for their faith in Jesus. Ask God to give them courage and hope, even when life seems impossible.
- Pray that the hearts of Islamic militants would be turned to Jesus and their crusade of hatred would be replaced by the peace and joy of the Lord.
- Ask God to make His people peacemakers among the different warring factions in the DRC.
Egypt
- Many Christians are thought of as second-class citizens by the majority of Muslims in Egypt, especially in rural areas and villages. Believers are left with limited employment options and access only to dangerous jobs. Pray these believers would not be discouraged but would know their value in the eyes of the Lord.
- When Muslims convert to Christianity, it can lead to violent persecution. Pray against attacks and for peace.
- Open Doors partners in Egypt work to help overturn cultural norms that are damaging to families. Pray that God will work through these efforts and that parents and children will be strengthened.
Mexico
- Christians living in some areas of southern Mexico encounter heavy persecution when they share the good news of Jesus. Pray that God will protect and encourage these brave believers.
- Cartels are an ever-present danger in many parts of Mexico. Pray that God will thwart any plans for evil.
- Pray for Open Doors local partners as they seek to encourage and walk alongside Mexican believers.
Iran
In the aftermath of the conflict with Israel, many Iranian Christians report even harsher treatment at the hands of the authorities. Pray that God will ease these tensions.
Secret churches are growing, but they are always at risk. Pray for believers who put everything on the line to gather and worship.
The number of church leaders imprisoned in Iran skyrocketed this year. Pray for their release and the comfort of the Holy Spirit.
Iraq
- Converting to Christianity from Islam can have terrible consequences in Iraq. Ask God to protect these converts from harm – and to help them know they are not alone.
- The church in Iraq is still working to reestablish itself, almost a decade after Islamic State group militants inflicted generational trauma. Pray that believers would be able to be salt and light and that God would bless those called to stay.
- In a stark reminder that Islamic extremism is still alive in Iraq, a man with ties to IS attacked Christians in April 2025. Pray for the victims and that the roots of this hatred would be changed by Jesus’ overwhelming love.
Jordan
- Under the leadership of King Abdallah, many believers in Jordan are able to worship openly. Thank God for this and ask Him to continue to make the monarchy aware of how the Jordanian church is a force for good in society.
- Conversion from Islam can be quite risky in Jordan. Pray for those who have lost friends or family because they follow Jesus.
- Pray that those called to share their faith can do so boldly and safely.
Morocco
- Moroccan church leaders have expressed the need for leadership training and growth. Pray for God to answer these needs.
- Women who convert to Christianity can face severe persecution from their families and community. Pray these sisters would find fellowship.
- Pray that Christians will be wise and courageous as they live out their faith in Morocco.
Qatar
- Qatar’s population is about 88% foreign. Praise God for the churches and church leaders who serve expatriate communities, and that they can do so openly.
- Native Qataris are unable to freely convert from Islam. Pray that there would be freedom of faith.
- Ask God to protect secret Christian converts in Qatar, that they would be safe from harm or arrest.
Saudi Arabia
- Even though there are more than two million Christians in Saudi Arabia, there are no legal public churches. Ask God to make a way for believers to find fellowship with one another. Pray for expatriate believers who meet in secret, that they can continue to worship without hindrance. Ask God to reach people in Saudi Arabia through dreams and visions – and that they would find opportunities for discipleship.
Tunisia
- As protests continue against one-party rule, pray that God would bring about freedom for His people in Tunisia to practise their faith.
- Converts from Islam can face substantial persecution. Ask God to protect these believers.
- While foreign Christians are often allowed to worship freely, Tunisian Christians don’t share that same freedom. Pray that followers of Jesus would find fellowship and grow in discipleship.
Türkiye
- Some politicians and leaders in Türkiye believe that all Turks should be Muslim. Pray for a softening of hearts and that people throughout the country will see the love and hope of Jesus in the lives of Christians.
- Praise God that so many Turkish believers can worship openly. Ask Him to bless their worship and empower them to carry out the Great Commission.
- When Muslims in Türkiye convert to follow Jesus, they can be shunned by their families and communities. Pray that these believers would find a sense of belonging and hope in the family of God.
Uzbekistan
- Churches and church leaders often come under surveillance by the authorities. Pray they would be able to lead others without harassment or harm.
- Non-registered churches are especially targeted and raided. Ask God to protect believers who risk so much simply to meet and worship Him.
- Ask that converts from Islam in Uzbekistan – who are often pressured by family, community and government to recant – will receive God’s grace and hope.
