After being knocked out of the World Cup, USA national team players gathered together on the pitch in prayer. 

Players and coaches embraced one another in a circle after the 4-1 defeat against Belgium on Monday, with Mark McKenzie stepping forward to lead. 

As the defender knelt and began to pray, the squad bowed their heads and closed their eyes. 

Despite having only made one appearance in the tournament, McKenzie has become a pastoral leader in the squad. A spontaneous moment of prayer after a group stage game developed into a regular moment of reflection and togetherness. 

McKenzie believes the team, made up of Christians and those with other religious backgrounds, has become united in the routine because “there’s power in prayer”. 

“Although it starts out as a moment of prayer, it invites people into what this team is about,” he told The Athletic, “it’s about love, it’s about togetherness, it’s about welcoming people. It doesn’t matter what your background is, we are family.”

The 27 year-old explained that it was a moment he wanted to “happen organically”, sharing a message of “thankfulness and gratitude” after previous games. 

A number of USA players, including captain Christian Pulisic, take part in team Bible studies. 

“Our faith isn’t built on victories or defeats. It’s built on the unchanging character of Jesus Christ. Success doesn’t make him more worthy, and failure doesn’t make him any less faithful," football ministry Ballers in God posted on social media. 

The knockout match had been overshadowed by controversy, after Donald Trump admitted asking FIFA’s President, Gianni Infantino, to review USA striker Florian Balogun’s one-match ban. The key player was sent off in a previous game, but was allowed to play against Belgium as the sanction was suspended.