Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attended the USA vs. Paraguay opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Los Angeles [1].
The decision has sparked a backlash among Canadian fans because Trudeau chose to watch a match in the U.S. rather than attending Canada's own opening game in Toronto [2].
Trudeau, 54 [3], accompanied pop star Katy Perry, 41 [4], who performed during the opening ceremony of the 2026 tournament [5]. The pairing of the former political leader and the global entertainer drew significant attention at the event, though it shifted the focus away from the sporting competition for many observers [2].
Critics on social media and in news reports have questioned the former leader's priorities. The absence of Trudeau from the Toronto match, where the Canadian national team made its tournament debut, has been characterized by some as a snub to his home country [3].
Reports indicate that the former prime minister's presence in Los Angeles was tied to his companionship with Perry during her performance duties [3]. While the event was a high-profile gathering of celebrities and political figures, the optics of skipping a national milestone to attend a match in a neighboring country have fueled public frustration [4].
Trudeau has not issued a formal statement regarding the criticism. The tournament continues across North America, with Canada's performance in Toronto remaining a primary point of contention for those reacting to the former prime minister's travel choices [4].
“Trudeau chose to watch a match in the U.S. rather than attending Canada's own opening game in Toronto.”
This incident highlights the enduring public scrutiny faced by former heads of state, where personal associations and travel choices are viewed through a lens of national loyalty. By prioritizing a celebrity-adjacent event in the U.S. over a domestic sporting milestone, Trudeau has reignited debates regarding his connection to the Canadian public sentiment.
