Pope Leo XIV reveals support for the USA at the World Cup

Pope Leo XIV may have traded his life in Chicago for the ornate apartments of the Vatican's Apostolic Palace, but he still intends to support his former national team during the World Cup.

Leo, the first North American Pope, told a journalist aboard his flight from Rome to Madrid this Saturday (6) that he will support the United States team when the 48-team tournament begins on Thursday (11).

"I will certainly support the United States. I don't know how many games I will be able to watch, but I wish them all the best," said the pontiff.

The USA, who are co-hosting the tournament with Canada and Mexico, will face Paraguay, Australia and Türkiye in Group D.

Leo XIV, who was born in a south suburb of Chicago, served as a missionary and bishop in Peru for decades before becoming pope. In an interview last year, he said he would support Peru over the United States in any clash between the two teams.

However, Peru failed to qualify for the World Cup, paving the way for a papal blessing for the North American team.

The Pope, who is on a week-long trip to Spain and the Canary Islands, also revealed a clear preference between Spanish football's great rivals, Real Madrid and Barcelona.

When asked by another journalist which of these teams he supports, Leo XIV paused briefly.

"The Pope supports all the teams. Prevost supports Real Madrid", he said in a good-humored tone.

El Papa is from Real Madrid. Welcome, Leon XIV! pic.twitter.com/7KNUjflmsN

- Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) June 6, 2026

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Source: CNN