Pope Leo XIV released a public message on June 10, 2026, offering his support for the U.S. ahead of the FIFA World Cup [1].
The message arrives as the global sporting event uses its platform to promote international unity. By framing the tournament through a spiritual lens, the Pope seeks to shift the focus from individual glory to collective effort.
Issued from the Vatican, the message precedes the tournament's opening match on June 11, 2026 [1]. The event is being co-hosted by three nations: the U.S., Canada, and Mexico [2].
Pope Leo XIV said that the sport serves as a reminder that life is not a race to show off [1]. He said soccer is a tool for teaching teamwork and compassion, noting that it exemplifies the need for people to walk together [3].
"Soccer teaches us to pass the ball and walk together," the Pope said [3]. He said, "Soccer reminds us that life is not a race to show off" [1].
While some praised the message for highlighting positive values [3], the Pope's specific choice of terminology sparked a divide among global fans. Some supporters expressed anger after the pontiff referred to the sport as "soccer" rather than "football" [4].
Addressing the linguistic debate, the Pope said, "I call it soccer, not football" [4].
“"Soccer reminds us that life is not a race to show off."”
The Pope's decision to use the term 'soccer', which is primarily used in the U.S. and a few other regions, aligns with his explicit support for the U.S. team. However, by choosing a term that is rejected by the majority of the global football community, the Vatican has inadvertently entered a long-standing cultural debate over the sport's identity just as the tournament begins.
