Pope Leo backs team USA in the World Cup — as he could become third straight pope to watch homeland win
Pope Leo XIV has expressed his support for the US national soccer team ahead of the World Cup. The Chicago-born pontiff declared his allegiance during a flight from Rome to Madrid. This marks a continuation of papal support for national teams, following Pope Francis and Pope Benedict XVI's backing of their respective countries.
- ▪Pope Leo XIV is cheering for team USA in the upcoming World Cup.
- ▪He made his declaration while traveling to Spain for a week-long tour.
- ▪The World Cup will be co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.
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World News Pope Leo backs team USA in the World Cup — as he could become third straight pope to watch homeland win By Sonya Gugliara Published June 6, 2026, 7:45 p.m. ET See more of our coverage in your search results. Add The New York Post on Google Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV hasn’t forgotten his roots — declaring that he’s cheering on team USA in the upcoming World Cup. The leader of the Catholic Church gave the US national soccer team his blessing onboard a Saturday flight from Rome to Madrid. “I would certainly support the US,” the pontiff declared. “I don’t know how many games I’ll be able to see but I wish them all the best.” Pope Leo XIV gave his blessing to the US national soccer team on his way to Spain.
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