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Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV Backs USA for 2026 World Cup

6/9/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Pope Leo XIV, a Chicago-born cleric with Peruvian citizenship, will support the United States at the 2026 World Cup after Peru failed to qualify.
He announced this on a Rome-to-Madrid flight on June 6 2026, five days before the tournament opens on June 11.
He said he backs all clubs, though his former self Prevost prefers Real Madrid.

History

Historical Context

When FIFA awarded the 1994 World Cup to the United States—chosen on July 4 1988—the tournament set a record attendance of 3,587,538 and proved financially successful despite soccer’s modest U.S. popularity. That legacy of strong crowds and lucrative TV deals underpins expectations for the 2026 tournament, now co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

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Story summary

Pope Leo XIV, a Chicago-born cleric with Peruvian citizenship, will support the United States at the 2026 World Cup after Peru failed to qualify.
He announced this on a Rome-to-Madrid flight on June 6 2026, five days before the tournament opens on June 11.
He said he backs all clubs, though his former self Prevost prefers Real Madrid.

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