Justin Trudeau and Katy Perry at the Los Angeles Stadium
Justin Trudeau has responded to online backlash after he was spotted watching the United States’ opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with girlfriend and pop star Katy Perry instead of attending Canada’s first match of the tournament.The former Canadian prime minister became the center of controversy after cameras caught him in the stands at SoFi Arena in Los Angeles on Friday. The United States won 4-1 over Paraguay that day. Trudeau was seated next to Perry, who performed during a restroom opening ceremony before kickoff.His appearance raised eyebrows among soccer fans, especially since Canada’s opening match against Bosnia and Herzegovina had been played just hours earlier in Toronto and had ended in a 1-1 draw.Questions about Justin’s loyalties began spreading across the Internet. But Trudeau addressed the issue in a light-hearted post on X.In a repost of a New York Times article about his World Cup appearance, he wrote: “Sometimes supportive friend duties are required. But you know who I’m rooting for to get the trophy,” alongside a Canadian flag emoji.
He wanted to end speculation that he ditched Team Canada in favor of supporting Team USA because of his American girlfriend.
Trudeau attended the USA game with Perry, but made clear his support for Canada’s World Cup campaign has not changed.However, the explanation did not completely silence people. Some X users questioned why Trudeau chose to attend the US team’s opening game in Los Angeles instead of Canada’s game in Toronto.
The current dispute comes nearly a year after Trudeau’s relationship with Perry was made public.The couple first sparked dating rumors in July 2025 when they were photographed spending intimate time together in Montreal.
They were seen walking through Mount Royal Park before dining at the city’s popular Le Violon restaurant. Shortly afterward, Trudeau was also seen attending Perry’s Lifetimes Tour concert in Montreal.They both entered the relationship after their long-term partnerships ended. Trudeau and his ex-wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau announced their separation in August 2023 after 18 years of marriage. Perry and actor Orlando Bloom confirmed in July 2025 that they had shifted their relationship toward co-parenting their daughter Daisy.Rumors of Trudeau and Perry’s romance persisted throughout the summer of 2025 before gaining momentum later that year. In October, the couple was officially dating and the relationship became serious. They were later photographed together on a yacht, embracing each other.By December 2025, Perry appeared to confirm the relationship on Instagram.The couple continued to make public appearances together throughout 2026. Earlier this month, they attended the Tribeca Film Festival in New York, where they made their first red carpet appearance as a couple during the premiere of Perry’s concert film, The Lifetimes Tour: Live from Paris.
