Justin Trudeau isn’t yet free from public criticism. The former Canadian prime minister is seeing some backlash online after he skipped Team Canada’s World Cup opener in favour of watching the USA vs. Paraguay match on Friday.
Across social media, eagle-eyed internet users caught Trudeau in the stands cozying up to Katy Perry, with whom he’s been romantically linked since last summer. While some people fawned over the fresh celebrity relationship, others were quick to notice the Montreal-based ex-politician chose the Los Angeles Stadium match over Canada’s game against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto.
“So you’re telling me Justin Trudeau attended America’s home opener and not Canada’s … wild times,” one person wrote on X.
“Arrest Justin Trudeau right now,” an X user penned. “What is he doing at a USA game?”
“Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau at the USA World Cup game??? Boy is not Canada down,” someone quipped.
Perry was a performer at the opening ceremony in Los Angeles on June 12, taking the stage and joining artists like South African star Tyla, Brazilian artist Anitta and Blackpink member Lisa for a star-studded event. Mexico City held its opening ceremony on June 11, with Shakira and Nigerian artist Burna Boy performing.
In Toronto, Alanis Morissette and Michael Bublé were the headlining acts of Canada’s World Cup opener. Other artists, including Alessia Cara, Elyanna, Jessie Reyez and Nora Fatehi, took the stage earlier in the show.
Katy Perry performed during the Parade of Nations before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D USA vs. Paraguay match at Los Angeles Stadium on June 12, 2026. (Jared C. Tilton – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
(Jared C. Tilton – FIFA via Getty Images)Katy Perry hints at her love for Canada
At the Los Angeles opener, “California Gurls” artist Perry was also seen sporting a pin that featured both the Canadian and American flags. In April, she made a comment on TikTok saying she was “Canada down,” referencing a viral response Tate McRae made after seeing backlash for starring in a Team USA Winter Olympics ad.
Fans online were quick to notice the small detail on Perry’s silver sequin dress. Some even dubbed her as a new Canadian in reference to her relationship with Trudeau.
Justin Bieber, Ryan Reynolds also at World Cup openers
Friday’s World Cup opener in Toronto — which saw Canada tie Bosnia and Herzegovina 1-1 — also saw some stars beyond those who performed.
Canadian actor Will Arnett, known for his work in Arrested Development and BoJack Horseman, welcomed the flags of the 48 nations that qualified for the 2026 World Cup with an inspiring speech about a “one living mosaic” of cultures. Actors Ryan Reynolds and Mike Myers were also seen in the stands cheering for Team Canada.
Ryan Reynolds celebrates as he watches the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina match at Toronto Stadium on June 12, 2026. (Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
(Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA via Getty Images)
Canadian pop star Justin Bieber was also spotted with his wife, Hailey Bieber, at the Los Angeles game on Friday. Backstage videos of the Stratford, Ont.-raised artist performing a toned down version of his hit song “Yukon” also surfaced across social media.