Pope Leo says he ‘certainly’ will support the U.S. in the World Cup
Pope Leo said he will “certainly” back the U.S. in the World Cup. He is still deciding which other teams to support.
Intelligence analysis by GPT-5.4 Mini
On a flight to Madrid, the Chicago-born pope said he will back his home country at the World Cup while weighing other loyalties tied to Peru and Italy. The comments came as he began a weeklong visit to Spain.
The pope said he will cheer for the U.S. in the World Cup, like picking his home team at a big game. He is still figuring out other teams, like someone choosing sides in a friendly tournament bracket.
Analysis
What he said
Pope Leo, who was born in Chicago, told reporters aboard a plane to Madrid that he will “certainly” support the United States in the World Cup. He said he does not know how many games he will be able to watch, but will try his best.
Why the rest is undecided
Leo said he is still thinking about which other teams to back. He pointed to Peru, where he began his work as a missionary, as one possible connection. He also noted that Italy will not be competing, which removes another obvious option.
The wider trip
The comments came as Leo arrived in Madrid at the start of a weeklong visit to Spain. After landing, he met King Felipe VI at the Royal Palace and thanked Spain for its support of international law and its commitment to peace and solidarity among nations.
During the visit, Leo is scheduled to meet people from sports, culture, and the arts, including actor Antonio Banderas. On Monday, he is set to become the first pope in history to address the Spanish parliament. He will then travel to Barcelona to visit the Sagrada Família and consecrate the newly completed Tower of Jesus Christ, the final major piece of a church project that has taken 144 years. The trip ends in the Canary Islands, which the United Nations has identified as the final destination of one of the world’s deadliest migration routes.
Key points
- Pope Leo said he will “certainly” support the United States in the World Cup.
- He said he is not sure how many matches he will be able to watch.
- Leo said he is still deciding which other national teams to back, including Peru and possibly others.
- The comments came as he began a weeklong visit to Spain, starting in Madrid.
- His trip includes meetings with cultural figures, a historic speech to the Spanish parliament, and stops in Barcelona and the Canary Islands.
If Leo’s support draws attention, it could add a cheerful international spotlight to the U.S. team’s World Cup run. The moment also helps frame his Spain trip as one that mixes diplomacy, culture, and public interest.
The statement is mostly symbolic, so it is unlikely to have any real effect beyond publicity. Because he is still deciding on other teams, the gesture may stay a lighthearted aside rather than a strong, sustained endorsement.
