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Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has faced a surge of criticism online after attending a United States match during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, rather than participating in Canada’s home events.
The World Cup is being uniquely hosted across three countries-Mexico, Canada, and the United States-with the tournament having begun on June 11 in Mexico City and set to conclude on July 19 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Trudeau’s choice to appear at the U.S. event, rather than the Canadian opening ceremonies in Toronto, drew considerable backlash from some fans and commentators who viewed it as a slight against his own country. The controversy intensified after his partner, pop star Katy Perry, was mocked on social media for her shimmering silver dress, which some likened to a Hershey’s Kiss.
On social media platform X, users expressed their disapproval. One wrote, “Look how Canadian your elbows are, liberals?
@JustinTrudeau skipped watching Canada (his own country) play in Toronto, instead he flew to LA to watch Katy Perry’s team play.” Another user shared disbelief at seeing Trudeau at a U.S. game but absent from Canada’s, while others accused him of prioritizing his personal life over national pride.
The Canadian opening ceremony took place in Toronto on June 12 at 1:30 p.m. ET, while the U.S. ceremony occurred later that evening in Los Angeles, featuring performances from Katy Perry and other artists.
Trudeau had been spotted alongside Perry earlier in the week at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York, where she debuted her concert film, “Katy Perry: The Lifetimes Tour – Live in Paris.” His absence from the Canadian ceremony that day only fueled speculation.
Footage shared on social media captured a tender moment between the couple after Perry’s performance at the U.S. match against Paraguay. Katy, dressed in a silver tinsel-adorned dress, kissed Trudeau near the stadium entrance.
During her set, she performed her 2024 hit “Wonder” alongside 10-year-old Norwegian singer Tius Luka, who contributed a verse to the song. Perry later shared on Instagram the story behind the collaboration, highlighting how Tius inspired the song’s verses.
Trudeau and Perry’s relationship became public in October 2025, following reports of Perry’s separation from Orlando Bloom. They were first spotted together earlier that summer in Montreal. Recently, Perry spoke openly about her relationship at the Tribeca Film Festival, describing herself as “very in love” and crediting the romance with giving her a new sense of grounding amid her extensive tour schedule.
While Trudeau’s attendance at the U.S. World Cup event has sparked debate, it also underscores the intersection of public figures’ personal lives with national loyalties during high-profile international events.