New Delhi [India], June 7 (ANI): Pope Leo XIV has thrown his support behind the United States ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, offering a boost to the co-host nation as the tournament prepares to get underway on June 11.

The pontiff, who became the first American leader of the Catholic Church, said he would be cheering for the US national team during the competition, despite his busy schedule.

Speaking to a journalist aboard a flight from Rome to Madrid on Saturday, Pope Leo said, 'I would certainly support the U.S. I don't know how many games I'll be able to see, but I wish them all the best,' reported Reuters.

The United States will host the tournament alongside Canada and Mexico and begin their campaign in Group D, where they are set to face Paraguay, Australia and Turkiye.

Born in the Chicago suburbs as Robert Prevost, Pope Leo XIV also holds Peruvian citizenship after spending decades serving as a missionary and bishop in Peru before his election as the Pope. His ties to both nations have previously made his football loyalties a subject of interest.

Last year, Leo indicated that he would support Peru over the United States if the two countries met on the football pitch. However, Peru failed to qualify for this year's World Cup, leaving the US as the beneficiary of the Pope's backing.

During the flight, the Pope was also asked about his preference between Spanish football giants Real Madrid and Barcelona. Maintaining neutrality in his current role, he initially replied, 'The Pope is for all teams.'

However, when referring to his pre-papal identity, he added with a smile, 'Prevost is for Real Madrid.'

Pope Leo is currently on a week-long visit to Spain and the Canary Islands as preparations continue for the start of the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup. (ANI)