Justin Trudeau Addresses Backlash Over Attending US World Cup Match
Published June 14, 2026
Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faced online scrutiny after being seen at a US World Cup match with Katy Perry, instead of Canada's opening game, prompting him to clarify his loyalties.
Published — local time around the world
Justin Trudeau, the former Prime Minister of Canada, found himself at the center of a social media discussion after he was spotted attending the United States' opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Los Angeles. Cameras captured Trudeau in the stands at SoFi Stadium alongside pop star Katy Perry, who had performed during the tournament's opening ceremony. This appearance drew swift online reactions, particularly as Canada's initial World Cup fixture had taken place just hours earlier in Toronto.
The timing of Trudeau's attendance raised eyebrows among football fans. While the United States secured a decisive 4-1 victory over Paraguay in Los Angeles, Canada's game against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto resulted in a 1-1 draw. This perceived conflict of interest led to questions circulating online regarding Trudeau's allegiance, given his presence at the American team's match over his home nation's opener.
Responding to the growing chatter, Trudeau took to X (formerly Twitter) to address the situation. He reposted an article discussing his presence at the World Cup and humorously captioned it, "Sometimes supportive boyfriend duties call. But you know who I’m rooting for to take the Cup," accompanied by a Canadian flag emoji. His statement aimed to quell speculation and reaffirm his unwavering support for Team Canada, despite attending the US game with Perry.