32 Days of Prayer for National Teams

May 9 marks 32 days until the World Cup begins! There are also 32 teams competing in the World Cup. Each day from May 9 until kick off, we’ll focus on one national team and share prayer needs.

(June 6) 4 Days to Kickoff: Switzerland

Switzerland are appearing in their ninth World Cup, and observers feel they have a strong chance of moving into the second round in South Africa despite a poor start in qualification. Their coach, twice named World Coach of the Year, has said that leading The Swiss to the World Cup is the highlight of his career.

The Swiss Confederation (Switzerland) is virtually synonymous with neutrality in the minds of most people. The confederation has been in existence for over 700 years, and today it has four national and official languages, German, French, Italian and Romansch, which reflect the ethnic composition of the country.  Switzerland’s banking sector has been hard hit by the global economic situation, and it is being forced to reform some of its famous banking secrecy laws.

The Swiss are predominantly Christian, slightly more Catholic and Orthodox than Protestant, but 11 percent of the 7.6 million citizens of Switzerland claim no religious faith. Nearly 5 percent are Muslim. Pray that followers of Jesus in this land of neutrality will be anything but neutral in proclaiming their love for and allegiance to the King of Kings.

Download a PDF prayer guide on Switzerland prepared by Operation Mobilisation.
Read more about the Switzerland team.

(June 5) 5 Days to Kickoff: Spain

Spain who are making their 13th World Cup appearance, enter the 2010 tournament as possible favorites to win it all. The team, ranked number 2 in the world, have been playing well over the last few years, winning Euro 2008 and coasting through the World Cup qualifiers. With a huge talent pool to draw from, many feel this could be their year to finally win the cup.

Spain is known for its “eat, drink and be merry” philosophy. A tiny town called San Antonio has more bars and pubs per square mile than anywhere else in Europe. There are also more people with HIV/AIDS in Spain than anywhere else in Europe.

About 76 percent of Spaniards identify themselves as Catholics, while 19 percent say they are non-religious and the remaining claim Islam, Protestant Christianity or other faiths. Pray for over 1 million university students, most of whom have never really heard the Gospel. If they became committed followers of Christ, they could have tremendous positive influence on their society.

Download a PDF prayer guide on Spain prepared by Operation Mobilisation.
Read more about the Spain team.

(June 4) 6 Days to Kickoff: South Korea

South Korea (also called Korea Republic) are making their 7th consecutive appearance in the World Cup. They finished fourth in 2002, but a repeat performance in South Africa will be difficult, as they are grouped with Argentina, Greece and Nigeria for the 2010 tournament. All three teams are currently ranked considerably higher than South Korea.

A Korean state of some sort has existed for several millennia. South Korea today is a modern democratic country of 49 million people, over 80 percent of whom live in urban areas. Except for a small community of Chinese, the people of South Korea are ethnically and linguistically the same. The nation supports one of the top 20 economies in the world, but a rapidly aging population presents major challenges for the economic future of South Korea.

Although half of the people of South Korea claim no religious affiliation, there are many evangelical Christians in the country, and they send Christian missionaries to a number of nations around the world. Pray that South Koreans visiting or residing in South Africa will have many opportunities to share their faith in Jesus Christ with North Koreans who are in South Africa for the World Cup.

Download a PDF prayer guide on South Korea prepared by Operation Mobilisation.
Read more about the South Korea team.

(June 3) 7 Days to Kickoff: Slovenia

Slovenia are appearing in their second World Cup. A play-off win over Russia secured them a place in the 2010 tournament. Slovenia allowed only four goals in qualification, but their strong defense will be challenged by 8th-ranked England and 14th-ranked USA in their matches in Group C. They are a long shot to go through to the second round in South Africa.

The Republic of Slovenia gained independent nation status in 1991, following a 10-day war that saw the Slovenes break away from alliance with Serbs and Croats in the former Yugoslavia. A strong economy, excellent infrastructure, well-educated work force and stable government have been major factors in the establishment of a strong new country. Historic ties with western Europe have also aided the Slovenes in their development as a nation.

A majority of the 2 million citizens of Slovenia are Catholic or Orthodox Christians. Around 2.5 percent of Slovenes are Muslim and 10 percent have declared themselves atheists. Pray their success as a nation will not deceive Slovenes into thinking worldly achievements are more important than being in right relationship with God. Pray that followers of Jesus in Slovenia will live holy lives that demonstrate God’s values to their fellow nationals.

Download a PDF prayer guide on Slovenia prepared by Operation Mobilisation.
Read more about the Slovenia team.

(June 2) 8 Days to Kickoff: Slovakia

Slovakia are another team making their first World Cup appearance as an independent nation. Grouped with Paraguay and New Zealand as well as defending champions Italy, 34th-ranked Slovakia have a fair chance of moving into the second round in South Africa. Their likeable young coach is proving to be a unifying force for the team.

In 1993, Slovakia and the Czech Republic peacefully dissolved the nation of Czechoslovakia and became two independent countries. Since then, Slovaks have welcomed students from African and Asian countries who have integrated well into society. The Roma people (preferred name of Slovak Gypsies) are a significant minority group in Slovakia. Unemployment is a major economic problem for the Roma and all Slovaks.

The website Slovensko.com says there is a church and a pub in the center of every village in Slovakia. Most Christians are Roman Catholic, and many are regular mass attenders. As in other countries, when new hypermarkets began to open on Sundays, mass attendance simultaneously began to drop. Pray for Christian churches in Slovakia to be creative and sensitive to local culture as they seek ways to reach out to all Slovaks with the Good News of meaningful life in Jesus Christ.

Download a PDF prayer guide on Slovakia prepared by Operation Mobilisation.
Read more about the Slovakia team.

(June 1) 9 Days to Kickoff: Serbia

Serbia are number 15 in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, but they are grouped with Germany, Australia and Ghana, so few observers predict they will advance to the second round in South Africa. This is Serbia’s first World Cup appearance as an independent nation, however, which gives them extra momentum. They are a talented, experienced team, so they could surprise everyone and advance to the second stage of the tournament.

June 5, 2010, marks four years of independence for the Republic of Serbia. The young nation was birthed after many years of division and fighting among the states of the former Yugoslavia. Serbia is still involved in border disputes with Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Over 300,000 refugees and internally displaced persons reside in the republic. One of the major land routes from Western Europe to Turkey and the Near East is controlled by Serbia.

Over 90 percent of Serbs are either Serbian Orthodox or Catholic. There are three times as many Muslims as there are Protestants in the country. Pray that Serbian followers of Christ will be leaders in helping their nation develop godly values and that they will model compassion, harmony and understanding in all of their dealings with fellow Serbs.

Download a PDF prayer guide on Serbia prepared by Operation Mobilisation.
Read more about the Serbia team.

(May 31) 10 Days to Kickoff: Portugal

Portugal, number three in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, are appearing in their third consecutive World Cup. Although they struggled in qualification, Portugal are favorites to move into the second round of the competition and to go ahead from there to reach the semi-finals. The first stage will not be easy, as they are grouped with Brazil, Ivory Coast and North Korea. A lot may ride on their first match in South Africa, which is against Ivory Coast.

The Portuguese Republic is home to nearly 11 million people, and roughly 60 percent of them live in urban areas. For centuries a powerful force on the seas and as a colonizer in Africa and South America, Portugal has now stalled in growth and productivity, largely due to a poor education system. The nation finds it increasingly difficult to compete economically with producers in Central Europe and Asia.

Approximately 85 percent of Portuguese nationals are Roman Catholic, but only a minority of them consistently practices their faith. Non-Catholic groups have been more active since 1976, when the constitution reinforced the separation of church and state, but the historical roots of Catholicism are evident in many cultural practices. Pray that the Church in Portugal will truly be the Body of Christ, and that Jesus’ followers will look to the Bible for guidance in the living out of their faith.

Download a PDF prayer guide on Portugal prepared by Operation Mobilisation.
Read more about the Portugal team.

(May 30) 11 Days to Kickoff: Paraguay

Paraguay are making their fourth consecutive World Cup appearance at the 2010 tournament in South Africa. Following their most impressive qualifying round ever, which included victories over Brazil and Argentina, Paraguay are expected to join reigning champions Italy in going through from their group to the second round of the 2010 World Cup.

The 6 million citizens of the Republic of Paraguay live primarily in the southern part of the landlocked country. Most Paraguayans are of mixed Spanish and Amerindian descent, and a significant number are subsistence farmers. Microenterprises comprise a large part of the Paraguayan economy in both rural and urban areas. Many urban dwellers are street vendors. Currently, development in Paraguay is stifled by political uncertainty, deficient infrastructure and corruption.

Most Paraguayans are Roman Catholic, and historically Catholicism has been an important factor in the political and social life of the nation. The president of Paraguay must be a Roman Catholic. Pray that followers of Christ in Paraguay will spend time meditating on God’s Word every day and that their lives will reflect His love, grace and peace.

Download a PDF prayer guide on Paraguay prepared by Operation Mobilisation.
Read more about the Paraguay team.

(May 29) 12 Days to Kickoff: North Korea

This is North Korea’s second World Cup appearance, and they finished second in their qualification group for 2010. In the 1966 World Cup, North Korea made it to the quarterfinals. They hope for a repeat performance in South Africa despite the fact that they come with the lowest ranking of the 32 nations competing for the 2010 trophy, and they have the challenge of being grouped with Brazil, Portugal and Ivory Coast. Most observers feel it would verge on the miraculous for North Korea to make it to the second round in South Africa.

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea suffers from chronic economic problems, and tight government control means change is nowhere in sight. Many North Koreans are malnourished and exist in poor living conditions. Although the North Korean government does not recognize trafficking as a problem, North Korean men, women and children are trafficked for forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation, mostly in China. Many North Korean women and girls cross into China voluntarily in hopes of finding food, jobs and freedom, but most are forced into prostitution, marriage or labor once they arrive there.

Traditional Buddhist and Confucianist thought and practice probably influence the worldview of the 23 million citizens of North Korea, but there is virtually no autonomous religious activity in the country. Government-sponsored religious groups merely provide an illusion of religious freedom. Pray that North Korean fans and players who go to South Africa for the World Cup will encounter followers of Jesus who can tell them how to have a relationship with Him. Pray for North Koreans who are trafficked to China to meet Christians who can explain about real freedom in Christ.

Download a PDF prayer guide on North Korea prepared by Operation Mobilisation.
Read more about the North Korea team.

(May 28) 13 Days to Kickoff: Nigeria

Nigeria’s Super Eagles are appearing in their fourth World Cup. Their performance in qualification for 2010 indicates they are less than consistent on the field, but they are still expected to go through to the second round in South Africa. Many supporters hope Nigeria will perform well in 2010 because the tournament is on African soil.

The oil-rich Federal Republic of Nigeria is the most populous nation on the African continent, home to over 150 million people of more than 250 ethnic groups. Money-laundering, wide-scale corruption, drug trafficking and criminal activity plague the nation. Life expectancy in Nigeria is only 47 years, largely due to a high incidence of HIV and AIDS and numerous infectious diseases.

Nigerians are 50 percent Muslim, 40 percent Christian and 10 percent animist. Recent violence between Muslims and Christians has polarized some bireligious communities and created harmony and unity in others. Pray that Nigerian Christians will choose to follow the commands of Jesus, forgiving those who harm them, praying for those who abuse them, and loving each other in a Christlike manner so that everyone will see they are sincere followers of Jesus.

Download a PDF prayer guide on Nigeria prepared by Operation Mobilisation.
Read more about the Nigeria team.

(May 27) 14 Days to Kickoff: New Zealand

New Zealand are appearing in their second World Cup. Coached by Ricki Herbert, the country’s most famous soccer celebrity, the Kiwis did well in qualification and hope to repeat their successes in South Africa. A major stumbling block will be defending champions Italy, who are in the same group.

The kiwi, a small, flightless bird native to New Zealand, is an unofficial but well-known symbol of the country and a popular name for national sports teams, including the soccer team.

Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, is the southernmost capital city in the world. Being from a country that lies well south of the equator, players and fans from New Zealand who are attending the World Cup may find it easier than most to adapt to the cold, wintry weather in certain South African venues. July is the coldest month in both New Zealand and South Africa.

Although a majority of the citizens of New Zealand would say they are Christian, in the latest census nearly 30 percent of New Zealanders claimed no religious allegiance. Non-Christian religions such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Paganism are growing quickly. Pray for Christians in New Zealand to be bold in sharing their faith so that fellow citizens who are seeking spiritual truth will hear about Jesus and be drawn to Him rather than to empty religions.

Download a PDF prayer guide on New Zealand prepared by Operation Mobilisation.
Read more about the New Zealand team.

(May 26) 15 Days to Kickoff: Netherlands

Netherlands are another team favored by many to win the 2010 trophy. They have twice been runners-up in the World Cup, but they’ve never achieved the championship. In qualification for 2010 they won all eight matches in their European zone, allowing only two goals. The Orange and fellow Group E challengers Cameroon are expected to sail through to the second round of the competition.

Tulips, chocolate, canals and windmills generally come to mind when one thinks of the Netherlands. This modern, industrialized nation has a largely urban population. Although agriculture only employs a small percentage of the work force, the Netherlands is a major exporter of agricultural products due to a highly mechanized agricultural sector. The Kingdom of the Netherlands is a gateway for illegal drugs entering Europe. Because it is also an important European transportation hub, drugs entering there make their way quickly to the rest of the continent. The Dutch themselves are significant producers and consumers of ecstasy.

Close to 45 percent of the 17 million citizens of the Netherlands profess no religion at all. Many recent immigrants are Muslim, and most Christians are Roman Catholic, Dutch Reformed or Calvinist. Pray that Dutch men and women will have a sense of grief and loss as they pass by abandoned or underutilized church buildings and that they will have a renewed interest in godly things.

Download a PDF prayer guide on the Netherlands prepared by Operation Mobilisation.
Read more about the Netherlands team.

(May 25) 16 Days to Kickoff: Mexico

Mexico, ranked 17 as they come into the tournament, play in the opening match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ against host nation South Africa. Mexico reached the round of 16 in each of the last four World Cups, and they are expected to do the same this year, but they face stiff competition from group members France, Uruguay and Bafana Bafana (South Africa’s national team).

Mexico shares a long and porous border with the United States, and vast amounts of illegal drugs and large numbers of illegal immigrants from Mexico and Central and South America cross into the US annually. Mexico is a major drug-producing nation, with heroin, marijuana and ecstasy high on their list of offerings. Despite the fact that the Mexican government conducts the largest independent illicit-crop eradication program in the world, the syndicates that control drug trafficking throughout Mexico seem always to win the day.

The United Mexican States (Mexico) celebrate two hundred years of independence from Spain on September 16, 2010. Pray that followers of Christ will celebrate the freedom they have in Jesus and that fellow Mexicans will be attracted to their godly lifestyles and ask to learn more about Him.

Download a PDF prayer guide on Mexico prepared by Operation Mobilisation.
Read more about the Mexico team.

(May 24) 17 Days to Kickoff: Japan

Japan would like to see a repeat of their 2002 World Cup performance, where they made it to the second round, but being grouped with Netherlands and Cameroon makes this aim appear unattainable. The disappointing number of goals scored in qualifying rounds means Japan will definitely be counting on the skills of gifted free-kicker Shunsuke Nakamura.

Japan entered the 20th century as a regional political power, conquering the forces of much larger nations and occupying vast amounts of land in other countries. Following defeat in World War II, the Japanese turned their attention to developing economic power, and they continue to be a major player in world finances today. An aging population and negative population growth rate are long-term issues the country will be dealing with that will increasingly impact the economy and other facets of Japanese society.

Most Japanese consider themselves to be Shinto and/or Buddhist. Christians comprise only two percent of Japan’s 127 million people. Pray for Japanese Christians to have wisdom and clarity in sharing the Gospel with countrymen whose religious practices are based on ancient traditions and rituals that lead them to focus on good works rather than relationship with a loving heavenly Father. Pray for elderly Japanese to be open to Good News that is so different from what has been believed for generations.

Download a PDF prayer guide on Japan prepared by Operation Mobilisation.
Read more about the Japan team.

(May 23) 18 Days to Kickoff: Ivory Coast

The Elephants of the Ivory Coast come into the 2010 tournament with a lot of talent, but they are placed in a challenging group. The fact that they lost no matches in qualification is a huge commendation, but their less-than-stellar performance in the Africa Cup of Nations reduces it somewhat. The Elephants have the potential to win the trophy for Africa if they play consistently and their leading players are in top form.

The first decade of the 21st century has been one of political upheaval in the Ivory Coast, beginning with the December 1999 coup, the first coup in the country’s history. An accord agreed upon by opposing forces in 2003 has led to a shaky peace that hasn’t yet materialized into lasting good relations between the north and south. Trafficking of women and girls from northern areas to southern cities for domestic service, work in restaurants and sexual exploitation is a common practice that fosters a lack of trust and harmony within the nation.

Ivoirians are approximately 39 percent Muslim, 33 percent Christian, 12 percent indigenous religions, and 17 percent no religious affiliation. Migrant workers who enter the Ivory Coast for service are 70 percent Muslim and 20 percent Christian.

Pray that people who live and work in the Ivory Coast will be determined to pursue godly goals and peaceful relations rather than selfish interests or sectarian objectives. Petition God to pour out His Spirit on this struggling nation that has the potential to once again be a strong and prosperous country.

Download a PDF prayer guide on the Ivory Coast prepared by Operation Mobilisation.
Read more about the Ivory Coast team.

(May 22) 19 Days to Kickoff: Italy

Italy, the defending world champions who are currently ranked number five, are hoping to have five World Cup championships at the end of the 2010 tournament. They are among the teams favored to win, and their impressive play in qualifying games—seven wins and three ties—indicates Italy are a strong contender for the 2010 title.

The Italian Republic has taken an active role in the political and economic unification of Europe from the beginning. The country is economically divided into the prosperous, industrialized north and less developed and more agricultural south. Italy’s extremely long coastline and developed economy attract large numbers of illegal immigrants, which tends to increase existing problems of slow economic growth, high unemployment, organized crime, graft and corruption.

Intercede for Christians in Italy, many of whom are nominal in the practice of their faith. Pray they will have a heart to reach out to the immigrants who are landing on their shores and that, as they share God’s love with others, they will have a revival in their own love for the Lord.

Download a PDF prayer guide on Italy prepared by Operation Mobilisation.
Read more about the Italy team.

(May 21) 20 Days to Kickoff: Honduras

Honduras are another team making their second appearance in the World Cup without having won a match in the previous tournament. Although they may find it difficult to advance in their group, which includes second-ranked Spain, Honduras have the talent to go through to the next round.

Most Hondurans are Spanish speakers of mixed European and Amerindian descent. They live in the second poorest country in Central America, and as more and more Hondurans move to urban areas they discover an economy plagued by high unemployment. An extraordinarily unequal distribution of wealth in Honduras is a further hindrance to economic development. Nearly 60 percent of the population lives in poverty. Widespread corruption and political insecurity are deterrents to foreign investors.

Ninety-seven percent of the 8 million people of Honduras is Roman Catholic and three percent is Protestant. Pray for wealthy Christians in Honduras to be generous with their resources and for all believers to make wise use of what God has entrusted to them, even when it seems like very little.

Download a PDF prayer guide on Honduras prepared by Operation Mobilisation.
Read more about the Honduras team.

(May 20) 21 Days to Kickoff: Greece

Greece’s first and only appearance in a World Cup before 2010 was in 1994, when they never won a game or even scored a goal. They are hoping for a stronger showing in South Africa, but Greece are once again grouped with Argentina and Nigeria, two of the teams that defeated them in 1994.

The Hellenic Republic (Greece) is facing major economic hurdles as it struggles to overcome a recession brought on in 2009 by the world financial crisis and various domestic issues. Because the agriculture sector is a major employer, 40 percent of the people of Greece live in rural areas. This makes Greece unique in a rapidly urbanizing world.

Greek Orthodoxy is the religion of 98 percent of the Greek population. The church plays a significant role in the lives of the Greek Orthodox, and festivals to mark important religious holidays are huge events. Easter and the Assumption of the Virgin are times of major celebration. The Greek Evangelical Church, with beliefs more in line with Protestant denominations, has a growing following in Greece and the Greek diaspora. Pray for rural and urban Greeks of all religious backgrounds to desire a relationship with the living Christ who is the Way, the Truth and the Life for all people.

Download a PDF prayer guide on Greece prepared by Operation Mobilisation.
Read more about the Greece team.

(May 19) 22 Days to Kickoff: Ghana

Ghana are making their second consecutive World Cup appearance, and with many of the young athletes who played in Germany in 2006 likely to be on the squad for this tournament, Ghana hope to make a strong showing in this first World Cup on African soil.

The Republic of Ghana was the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to gain independence from a colonial power. Today it has one of the strongest economies in the region, bolstered by an abundance of natural resources. In his visit to Ghana in July 2009, US President Barack Obama praised Ghanaians for their commitment to democracy. He challenged them to work hard to determine their own destinies, expressing his belief that the future of Africa is for Africans to decide. With 40 percent of its 24 million people under the age of 15, Ghana should have a bright future indeed, but HIV/AIDS and infectious diseases are major obstacles to overcome in achieving this goal.

Although no official figures exist to reflect regional distribution of the various religions, it is generally agreed that the southern part of Ghana is more Christian, while the north is more Islamic. Pray that followers of Jesus throughout Ghana will demonstrate sincere love to all people and that the youth of Ghana will be drawn to Christ as they see His life reflected in His followers.

Download a PDF prayer guide on Ghana prepared by Operation Mobilisation.
Read more about the Ghana team.

(May 18) 23 Days to Kickoff: Germany

Germany has won the World Cup three times in 16 appearances at the tournament. Many observers feel they are a strong contender to reach their goal of being the first European team to win a World Cup when the event was held outside Europe.

The Federal Republic of Germany is a powerhouse in Europe, boasting the continent’s largest economy and second largest population (only Russia has more people). Despite having one major language and people group, the national complexion reflects the influence of a large Turkish population and refugees from several Eastern European countries.

Germany’s Christian heritage began in the eighth century, as Roman Catholic missionaries traveled there and won converts. The three colors of the German flag can be traced to the black, red and gold of the medieval standard of the Holy Roman Emperor. Eight centuries later, Martin Luther was instrumental in establishing Protestantism as Germany’s second major faith. Today German Christians are evenly divided between these two branches of Christianity, but they account for only two-thirds of the German population. Like people in many other European countries, a large percentage of modern-day Germans has no religious affiliation. Pray for a revival in this nation that has such a rich Christian history.

Download a PDF prayer guide on Germany prepared by Operation Mobilisation.
Read more about the Germany team.

(May 17) 24 Days to Kickoff: France

This is France’s fourth consecutive World Cup appearance, and they are grouped with host country South Africa. France barely managed to qualify out of Europe, so this is not one of the stronger French teams to compete in a World Cup. Despite that, they are a favorite to come out on top of their group.

France has more tourists visit it than any other country in the world, and it has the world’s third largest income from tourism. France includes territories outside mainland Europe in the Indian Ocean, Caribbean and South America.

In recent years, immigrants from many French-speaking western African countries have made their way to France, creating major changes in the socioeconomic landscape of the country. Religious life has been impacted as well, as many immigrants have brought along their Islamic religious practices. Although 90 percent of the people of France claim to be Roman Catholic (85 percent) or Protestant (2 percent), Muslims comprise as much as 10 percent of the 64 million residents. Pray that the Christian church in France will lift up Jesus and that tourists and immigrants alike will be drawn to Him.]

Download a PDF prayer guide on France prepared by Operation Mobilisation.
Read more about the France team.

(May 16) 25 Days to Kickoff: England

England has 12 previous World Cup appearances, and they have won the trophy once. The Three Lions are the favorite to win their group (Group C) and are the pick of many people to win the 2010 cup.

The English drink more tea than anyone else on earth. They down 20 times as much tea in a year as Americans do! English fans who travel to South Africa for the 2010 games should be delighted with the wide variety of teas available there.

Christianity, as practiced by the Church of England, is the official religion of England. The reigning monarch is the head of the Church of England. Pray that Queen Elizabeth II will seek guidance from God as she fills this role along with her many other responsibilities. Pray that followers of Jesus who are not in the Church of England will not be stereotyped by non-Christians and that they will have many opportunities to share about Who Jesus is with people they encounter daily.

Download a PDF prayer guide on England prepared by Operation Mobilisation.
Read more about the England team.

(May 15) 26 Days to Kickoff: Denmark

Denmark, playing in their fourth World Cup, may be hard pressed in 2010 to continue their record of always advancing to the second round. Grouped with strong contenders Netherlands and Cameroon, making it to the round of 16 will be no easy feat.

The 5.5 million people of the Kingdom of Denmark have historically experienced low levels of unemployment, but a recession spurred by the global financial crisis has changed this. Unemployment will likely continue to rise throughout 2010, and a growing percentage of retirees in relation to the number of employed adults will mean the economy has to adjust to an unfamiliar ratio.

According to the constitution of Denmark, Evangelical Lutheran is the official religion of the country, and about 85 percent of the people consider themselves a part of this church. Since a central belief of Lutheranism is that good works, grace and faith are part of salvation, pray that Danish followers of Christ will exemplify the love of Jesus in their daily lives and that other Danes will be drawn into meaningful relationship with Him.

Download a PDF prayer guide on Denmark prepared by Operation Mobilisation.
Read more about the Denmark team.

(May 14) 27 Days to Kickoff: Chile

Chile is a team of young players who have proven their ability to play well away from home. It is predicted they will advance to the second round, with the possibility of facing continental foes Brazil at that stage of the tournament.

The nation of Chile has the most advanced telecommunications infrastructure in South America. As cell phone usage has increased, there has been a drop in the number of landline telephones, but the country still boasts 90 phones per 100 people. Chileans know how to stay in touch!

The Christian population of Chile is 70 percent Catholic and 15 percent Evangelical. Although the Catholic Church exercises a lot of power, the constitution guarantees freedom of religion and prohibits religious discrimination. Pray that Chilean followers of Christ will actively seek ways to share the Good News about Jesus as they go about their daily life.

Download a PDF prayer guide on Chile prepared by Operation Mobilisation.
Read more about the Chile team.

(May 13) 28 Days to Kickoff: Cameroon

Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions are the highest-ranked African team in the 2010 World Cup. Led and captained by Samuel Eto’o, they are considered by many Africans as the continent’s best hope for winning the trophy.

Conservationists say the number of lions in the wild in Cameroon is dwindling, and they predict the numbers may decrease even more rapidly due to the fact that some hungry villagers are stealing meat from lions after they’ve made a kill. Deforestation, overgrazing and desertification continue to deplete the moderate amount of farm land available to Cameroonian villagers.

Religious freedom is widely practiced by the people of Cameroon, who are 40 percent Christian, 40 percent animist and 20% Muslim. In large towns, churches and mosques are often found close to each other. Animists are more active in rural areas. Pray that Christians will take advantage of the atmosphere of religious tolerance in their country and be bold in sharing their faith with other Cameroonians.

Download a PDF prayer guide on Cameroon prepared by Operation Mobilisation.
Read more about the Cameroon team.

(May 12) 29 Days to Kickoff: Brazil

Brazil is the only team to have taken part in every World Cup and, with five victories, they have won the trophy more than any other team. They are heavy favorites to win again this year.

Brazil is a dominant force off the playing field as well. With a land mass that spans almost half of South America, Brazil borders every country on the continent except Chile and Ecuador. It is South America’s leading economic power, but growth from the development of its interior often means using up vast amounts of natural resources. This also contributes to a widening gap between the rich and the poor in Brazil.

Several players on the Brazil team profess that Jesus Christ is the strength of their life. Pray for these men to be faithful and consistent witnesses both on and off the pitch.

Download a PDF prayer guide on Brazil prepared by Operation Mobilisation.
Read more about the Brazil team.

(May 11) 30 Days to Kickoff: Australia

Australia will be making their third appearance in the World Cup. Ranked 20^th in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, Australia are competing for the first time in the Asian qualification zone instead of Oceania.

Australia has a lot going for it: an average life expectancy of 82 years, an HIV/AIDS infection rate of less than 0.5 percent, and a literacy rate of 99 percent. Christianity is the primary religion in Australia, and Christian organizations are the leading non-governmental providers of education, health and welfare services in the country, but the number of Australians professing to be Christians dropped dramatically in the last century. Evangelical Christians are far fewer in number than Catholics. Mel Gibson, raised a Traditionalist Catholic in Australia, is well-known for his role in the production of The Passion of the Christ in 2004.

Vast areas of uninhabited land make up most of the country—unhabited by humans, anyway. For generations, children have been delighted by the fun- and exotic-sounding names of the Australian animals that live in the wild, like wombat, kangaroo, wallaby, koala, platypus and Tasmanian devil.  Ninety percent of the human population lives in urban areas along the eastern and southeastern coasts of Australia.

Pray Australians will praise God as the source of their blessings and choose to honor Him through unqualified obedience and godly decisions in their daily lives.

Download a PDF prayer guide on Australia prepared by Operation Mobilisation.
Read more about the Australia team.

(May 10) 31 Days to Kickoff: Argentina

Argentina will be making their 15th World Cup appearance and their tenth consecutive one. They have won the World Cup twice, in 1978 and 1986, and they are a strong contender to win the 2010 trophy.

In addition to the excitement of participating in the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, 2010 is a special year for the people of Argentina as they celebrate events 200 years ago that marked the beginning of their transition to independent nation status. The May Revolution of May 18-25, 1810, spurred events that ended with Argentina gaining independence from Spain on July 9, 1816. Revolution Day, celebrated May 25 each year, has special significance in 2010.

Argentina is often thought of first as a producer of excellent beef, but stereotypical images of Argentine cowboys riding across vast plains represent only one segment of the population. According to www.WorldAtlas.com, the capital city of Buenos Aires is the tenth largest metropolitan area in the world by population. Argentines of Spanish and Italian ancestry, mestizos and Amerindians comprise the nation of 41 million people.

As Argentines focus on freedom and independence this year, pray they will come to acknowledge the true and lasting freedom that is found only in Jesus Christ.

Download a PDF prayer guide on Argentina prepared by Operation Mobilisation.
Read more about the Argentina team.

(May 9) 32 Days to Kickoff: Algeria

This is Algeria’s third appearance in a World Cup. They have never made it past the first round.

Algeria’s history is riddled with violence and political instability. Democracy has been the goal but often seems to fail, and many are looking to impose Islam’s strict Shari’a law. Discoveries of oil and gas were boosts to the nation’s economy, but have done little to affect the nation’s high poverty and unemployment rates.

Pray for political and religious freedom for the people of Algeria. Opposition to the Gospel is intense — pray for centuries of prejudice towards Christians and misunderstandings about the Gospel to be taken away, and for hearts to be open to the truth. Pray Algerian athletes and fans visiting South Africa will have opportunities to hear about Christ.

Download a PDF prayer guide on Algeria prepared by Operation Mobilisation.
Read more about the Algeria team.