Tactical insights
By Dan Etheridge
The following five teams feature in the 2023 Women’s World Cup but are also on the current Open Doors World Watch List (the toughest 50 places on earth to be a Christian). Check through these quick facts to gain some tactical insights and see why we want you to pray when they play.
1. Nigeria (No.6)
Every day in Nigeria, 14 Christians are killed for their faith – that’s more than everywhere else in the world combined. Islamic extremists are often behind attacks, targeting Christian communities to remove their presence from the region.
2. China (No. 16)
It’s illegal for under-18s to attend church in China, and it’s very dangerous to talk about faith on social media platforms and messaging apps. The Chinese authorities see Christians as a threat to their power, so they want to disrupt their activities.
3. Colombia (No. 22)
Many churches in Colombia do amazing work in speaking out against violence and corruption, and even telling gang members about Jesus. But this can come at a huge cost, because it can make Christians – particularly leaders – a target for attack.
4. Vietnam (No. 25)
In parts of Vietnam, choosing to follow Jesus is seen as a betrayal of the local culture and community. The opposition can be so bad that Christians are forced from their village because their homes have been destroyed.
5. Morocco (No. 29)
In Morocco, it’s against the law to ‘shake the faith of a Muslim’. This means that, since most Moroccans are Muslims, Christians must take great care when talking about their faith, even among family and friends.
So, whichever team you’re supporting during the 2023 Women’s World Cup, make sure you also cheer on your persecuted church family too! Order your free World Cup Wall Chart and pray as the tournament unfolds.