Justin Trudeau seen with Katy Perry at Los Angeles match, sparks Canadian criticism

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attended a soccer match in Los Angeles on 12 June 2026, sitting in the stadium’s stands with pop star Katy Perry, who was performing at the opening ceremony of the tournament. The event was the USA versus Paraguay game, which occurred while Canada was playing its own inaugural World Cup match.

Trudeau’s presence at the U.S. match drew a wave of negative reactions on social media, with many Canadians accusing him of neglecting the national team’s debut and prioritising a celebrity appearance. Commentators highlighted the contrast between his attendance at the foreign match and the lack of Canadian representation at the ceremony, fueling public debate over his decision.

Perry’s performance in Los Angeles was part of a multi‑star lineup that also featured artists such as Tyla, Anitta and Lisa of Blackpink. The criticism of Trudeau underscores the sensitivity of Canadian public opinion toward the Prime Minister’s personal engagements during major sporting events.