World Cup squads reflect faith, unity amid social divisions
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 18, 2026, 4:40 AM
Last updated Jun 18, 2026
World Cup squads showcase diverse backgrounds and religious beliefs among players amid rising social tensions in their home countries. Notable players include Muslim and Christian athletes from nations like England, France, and Spain, who openly express their faith. For the first time, England includes Djed Spence, identified as a Muslim player. Other examples include Mohamed Salah of Egypt, who practices his faith on the field, and Croatia's Luka Modrić, known for his religious symbols. Eboo Patel emphasizes the positive message this diversity conveys during a politically charged period in Europe.
- •England's squad features Djed Spence, a Muslim player for the first time.
- •France's roster includes players from Protestant, Catholic, and Muslim backgrounds.
- •Mohamed Salah gains attention for his open practice of Islam after scoring.
- •Luka Modrić incorporates religious symbols into his playing gear.
- •Teams aim to foster unity through cooperation despite social divisions.
- 4:40 AMYahoo Sports — World Cup squads showcase faith and unity amid deep social divisions at home
"While many of the World Cup’s competing nations are wracked by social divisions, some of their teams offer strikingly positive examples of how players from different backgrounds and religious faiths can cooperate closely in pursuit of a common goal. The phenomenon is particularly notable among Western European teams, which for most of soccer’s history were overwhelmingly white and Christian. As those societies have increasingly diversified, so have the national team rosters — featuring Christian and Muslim players who are open about their faith.
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