California Governor Gavin Newsom and former Canadian PM Justin Trudeau chat at 2026 World Cup opener

California Governor Gavin Newsom and former Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau were seen in an animated discussion at SoFi Stadium before the United States' opening match against Paraguay at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The pair watched Team USA's victory together, with Trudeau gesturing enthusiastically and even raising his hands in a prayer‑like pose. Trudeau was in Los Angeles to support his pop‑star girlfriend Katy Perry, who performed at the opening ceremony, while also drawing criticism for skipping Canada’s own opening match.

The encounter occurred as Newsom faces a Department of Justice investigation into allegations involving his wife Jennifer Siebel Newsom’s taxes and a separate corruption probe linked to his former chief of staff Dana Williamson. Newsom has also been linked to directing more than $4.4 million from special interests to the California Partners Project, an initiative associated with his wife. Though he has not officially declared a candidacy, the governor is widely viewed as a potential Democratic contender for the 2028 presidential election.