Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau found himself at the centre of social media debate after attending the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup between the United States and Paraguay in Los Angeles alongside Katy Perry. The appearance drew attention because Canada was playing its own opening World Cup fixture against Bosnia and Herzegovina on the same day, leading some Canadian fans to question why Trudeau was not present to support his national team.
The criticism intensified after photographs and videos from the stadium showed Trudeau watching the match from a luxury suite while Perry, who had performed at the tournament's opening ceremony, took centre stage before kickoff. As online backlash grew, Trudeau responded with a light-hearted social media post, saying, “Sometimes supportive boyfriend duties call. But you know who I'm rooting for to take the Cup.”
Perry was one of the headline performers at the World Cup opening ceremony held at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Wearing a sparkling silver outfit, she performed before more than 70,000 spectators. Following her performance, footage circulated online showing her greeting and embracing Trudeau, further fuelling discussion about their relationship.
Many Canadian football supporters expressed disappointment that Trudeau attended the USA-Paraguay match while Canada was beginning its own World Cup campaign. Social media users criticised the decision, with some accusing him of neglecting his country's team, while others argued that, as a private citizen no longer holding public office, he was free to spend his time as he wished.
The attention surrounding the couple was amplified by their increasingly public relationship. Dating rumours first emerged in mid-2025 when the pair were seen together in Montreal. Since then, they have made several public appearances together and openly acknowledged their relationship.
Earlier in the week, Perry spoke warmly about Trudeau while attending the premiere of her concert film. She described herself as being deeply in love and referred to him as “the love of my life,” saying his presence had brought stability and balance to her life. Her comments attracted significant media attention and added to public fascination with the relationship.
Trudeau's explanation that “boyfriend duties” had taken priority generated another wave of reactions online. While some users mocked the phrase and criticised his decision, others responded with humour and sympathy. The episode quickly became one of the most talked-about off-field stories of the World Cup, blending sports, celebrity culture and politics into a viral social media moment.
As Canada's World Cup campaign began with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina, much of the online conversation unexpectedly focused not on the football itself, but on Trudeau, Perry and a stadium appearance that sparked debate far beyond the pitch.
