Pope Leo XIV Backs Team USA in 2026 World Cup Campaign

Pope Leo XIV has officially declared his support for the United States men’s soccer team as they prepare to embark on their highly anticipated campaign in the FIFA World Cup 2026. Speaking to an international cohort of journalists aboard the papal flight from Rome to Madrid on June 6, 2026, the Chicago-born pontiff expressed a deep and enduring connection to his home country. “I will certainly support the U.S.,” the Pope told reporters with a warm smile. “I don’t know how many games I’ll be able to see, but, you know, I’ll try my best”.

The lighthearted exchange occurred during the traditional in-flight press conference, which serves as an intimate forum for the Pope to engage with the press before landing. Pope Leo XIV, who made history on May 8, 2025, by becoming the first American-born leader of the Roman Catholic Church, remains deeply tied to his roots despite his transition to the historic halls of the Vatican. As the United States, alongside co-hosts Canada and Mexico, prepares to welcome the world’s premier football tournament starting June 11, 2026, the American squad can now boast the ultimate spiritual endorsement. This statement quickly grabbed global headlines, blending the worlds of international diplomacy, religion, and sports. For fans and players of the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT), hearing the head of the global Catholic Church root for their success has added an unexpected layer of excitement to what is already set to be the biggest tournament in soccer history.

Pope Leo XIV Backs Team USA

The announcement from Pope Leo XIV represents a major cultural moment for American sports. While previous popes have had well-documented loves for the game of soccer—most notably Pope Francis, an avid supporter of San Lorenzo in Argentina—none have had a direct connection to the rising football landscape of the United States. By declaring his intent to root for Team USA, Pope Leo XIV has brought the attention of the global Catholic community to the upcoming tournament. His remarks underscore a growing recognition of soccer’s prominence in North America. During his discussion with journalists, the Pope noted that while his official responsibilities prevent him from watching every single match, he will make every effort to follow the team’s progress as they face the world’s elite. This public backing serves as a symbolic blessing, generating widespread enthusiasm among American sports enthusiasts who hope to see the USMNT make history on home soil.

Deep Ties: Why the Chicago-Born Pontiff Backs the United States

To understand Pope Leo XIV’s enthusiastic endorsement of the USMNT, one must look at his deep-seated American identity. Born Robert Francis Prevost on Chicago’s South Side and raised in the working-class suburb of Dolton, Illinois, the future Pope grew up immersed in the rich sporting culture of the American Midwest. He was not just a passive observer of American life; he was an active participant in the community, attending local high schools and maintaining lifelong connections to the area. His elevation to the Papacy in May 2025 did not dilute his connection to his homeland. While the Pope represents a global flock of over 1.3 billion Catholics, his personal history as an American citizen remains a point of immense pride for Catholics across the United States. His decision to publicly back the U.S. team is a reflection of this personal history. It demonstrates that despite the solemn responsibilities of his office, he remains a “son of Chicago” at heart, willing to cheer for his home country as they face off against the world’s elite soccer teams. This vocal support is particularly meaningful because it bridges the cultural divide between the traditional soccer-loving nations of Europe and South America and the growing soccer community in the United States.

The Peruvian Connection and Sports Loyalties

While Pope Leo XIV’s primary allegiance during the 2026 World Cup lies with the United States, his sports loyalties are actually far more complex and international. The Pope’s journey as a religious figure took him far beyond the borders of Illinois. For decades, he served as an Augustinian missionary and bishop in Peru, primarily in the northern diocese of Chiclayo. His work with the local communities was so impactful that he was granted naturalized Peruvian citizenship in 2015. In previous interviews, including one shortly after his election in 2025, Pope Leo XIV admitted that if the United States were ever to play Peru in a soccer match, his heart would be divided, and he might even root for Peru due to his decades of pastoral service there. However, Peru failed to qualify for the 48-team 2026 tournament. This omission simplified the Pope’s decision-making process. He explained to journalists that because Peru—the place where he truly got his start as a missionary—would not be on the pitch, his path was clear to give his full support to the United States. Yet, he noted that he is still deciding which other Latin American or international nations to support as secondary favorites, showing his enduring affection for the Global South.

Italy’s Absence and the World Cup Landscape

Another major factor that simplifies Pope Leo XIV’s sporting choices this summer is the conspicuous absence of Italy from the tournament. As the Bishop of Rome and the sovereign of Vatican City, the Pope is deeply embedded in Italian culture, where football is practically a civic religion. Typically, any Pope residing in the Vatican faces intense local pressure to show affinity for the Italian national team, the Azzurri. However, Italy’s surprising failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup has left Italian soccer fans devastated. Pope Leo XIV made a lighthearted reference to this situation while speaking to reporters on the plane. He joked that because Italy will not be competing, it eliminated any potential conflict of interest between his official role in Rome and his personal patriotism as an American. This humorous observation brought laughter from the traveling press corps, highlighting the Pope’s ability to use self-deprecating humor to connect with people. Italy’s absence represents a massive shift in the tournament’s competitive landscape, but for the American Pope, it provides a convenient opportunity to rally behind Team USA without alienating his immediate Italian flock.

Club Allegiances: Real Madrid vs. Barcelona Joke

The papal flight to Madrid also provided the perfect backdrop for another sports-related revelation. As the plane cruised toward the Spanish capital, a Spanish journalist decided to test the Pope’s diplomatic skills by asking him to choose between Spain’s two most iconic and fiercely competitive soccer clubs: Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. The rivalry, known globally as El Clásico, is deeply political and cultural, and expressing a preference can easily alienate millions of fans. Rather than dodging the question entirely, Pope Leo XIV delivered a masterful response that satisfied both his theological role and his personal humanity. “That’s easy,” the Pope said with a twinkle in his eye. “The pope is for all teams, but Prevost is Real Madrid”. By referring to himself by his lay surname, Prevost, the Pope neatly separated his sacred office from his personal human preferences. This clever distinction allowed him to express a genuine sporting passion while maintaining the neutrality expected of the Vicar of Christ. His preference for Real Madrid may have ancestral roots, as his mother, Mildred, was of Spanish descent, or it could simply be a reflection of his appreciation for the legendary club’s history. Regardless, the remark endeared him to the local Madrid media and set a joyful tone for his apostolic visit.

Beyond Sports: The Broader Purpose of the Papal Visit to Spain

While the Pope’s sports commentary dominated the immediate headlines, his trip to Spain from June 6 to June 12, 2026, is driven by far more profound theological and social objectives. This journey represents Pope Leo XIV’s first apostolic visit to Spain, a country with deep historical Catholic ties that is currently navigating rapid secularization.

The Centenary of Antoni Gaudí and Sagrada Família

One of the central events of the papal itinerary is a visit to Barcelona to celebrate the centenary of the legendary architect Antoni Gaudí. Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to formally inaugurate the Tower of Jesus Christ at the famous Sagrada Família basilica. The completion of this tower marks a major milestone in the construction of the basilica, which has been underway for over a century. The Pope has frequently praised Gaudí’s unique ability to blend natural beauty, architectural genius, and deep Christian faith. This event is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of faithful to the streets of Barcelona, highlighting the enduring power of sacred art and architecture to inspire modern society.

Focus on Migration and Marginalized Communities

Consistent with the central themes of his papacy, Pope Leo XIV is placing a heavy emphasis on social justice, human dignity, and the plight of migrants during his Spanish tour. The Pope’s itinerary includes meetings with marginalized groups and a highly anticipated trip to the Canary Islands, which have become a primary destination for migrants seeking entry into Europe. Aboard the papal flight, the Pope accepted a deeply symbolic gift from a journalist: a small wooden cross crafted from the wreckage of migrant boats that had carried people to the Italian island of Lampedusa—a location the Pope is scheduled to visit on July 4. This poignant moment underscored his ongoing advocacy for migrant rights. Just weeks prior, on May 25, 2026, Pope Leo XIV published his landmark first encyclical, Magnifica humanitas, which addressed the ethical challenges of artificial intelligence and emphasized the absolute necessity of safeguarding human labor and dignity in a rapidly changing world. His visit to Spain is a practical application of these teachings, demonstrating his commitment to being a voice for the voiceless.

From Chicago to the Vatican: The Rise of Robert Prevost

The journey of Robert Francis Prevost from the streets of Chicago to the chair of Saint Peter is a testament to his diverse experiences and pastoral dedication.

Childhood in Dolton and Education in Chicago

Born at Mercy Hospital in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood, Prevost grew up in the south suburban community of Dolton. He attended Mendel Catholic High School, where he graduated in 1972, before pursuing higher education at Villanova University and the Catholic Theological Union in Hyde Park. His family was firmly rooted in the local community; his father, Louis, was an educator, and his mother, Mildred, was deeply involved in parish life. His brother, John, also followed a path in Catholic education. This grounded, hard-working American upbringing provided him with a practical, common-sense approach to leadership that would serve him well in his later ecclesiastical career. To read more about his historic election and the legal nuances of his citizenship, you can check the analysis by WTTW News on whether a Chicago-born Pope can remain a U.S. citizen.

Becoming the First American Pontiff

After joining the Order of Saint Augustine, Prevost was ordained a priest in 1982. His administrative talents and pastoral warmth quickly led to higher responsibilities. He served as the Prior General of the Augustinian Order worldwide from 2001 to 2013, before being appointed by Pope Francis as Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru. In 2023, Pope Francis made him a Cardinal and appointed him as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops—one of the most influential offices in the Roman Curia. Following the passing or resignation of Pope Francis, the College of Cardinals convened in May 2025 and elected Prevost as Pope Leo XIV. His election was a watershed moment, representing the first time an American had ever ascended to the papacy, signaling a shifting focus toward the Americas and the Global South.

A Comparison of Pope Leo XIV’s Sporting and Regional Ties

To better understand how Pope Leo XIV’s personal background influences his sports loyalties and pastoral focus, the following table outlines his primary national and club connections:

World Cup 2026: Team USA’s Group D Schedule and Prospects

With the papal blessing firmly in their corner, the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) is preparing for an intense group stage. Placed in Group D, the U.S. will compete against Paraguay, Australia, and Turkey (Turkiye). The expanded 48-team tournament represents a massive opportunity for American soccer to capture the national imagination. Playing matches on home soil, the USMNT faces high expectations from fans who hope to see the team advance deep into the knockout rounds. The team’s opening match is scheduled shortly after the tournament’s kickoff on June 11, 2026. While the physical training and tactical preparation are paramount, the psychological impact of having the first American Pope publicly backing the squad cannot be underestimated. It adds a unique narrative element to the tournament, connecting the sporting event to global cultural and religious dynamics.

Conclusion: A Pontiff Navigating Faith, Humanity, and Sport

Pope Leo XIV’s comments aboard his flight to Madrid highlight his unique ability to connect with everyday people through the universal language of sports. By joking about Real Madrid, admitting his divided loyalty to Peru, and proudly rooting for Team USA, the Pope showed that he is a leader who understands and shares the simple joys of humanity. At the same time, his journey to Spain to address migration, artificial intelligence, and historical architecture proves that he remains focused on the serious moral challenges of the 21st century. As the 2026 World Cup begins, American soccer fans can cheer on their team knowing that they have a powerful ally in the Vatican who, despite his global responsibilities, has not forgotten the sports-loving kid from Chicago.