Trudeau Jumps from Toronto to LA: The ‘Boyfriend Duties’ Debate at World Cup 2026
Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau chose to miss Canada’s opening match against Bosnia & Herzegovina in Toronto to watch the United States beat Paraguay 4‑1 in Los Angeles. The decision, based on a tweet that quoted the Canadian flag and the words “supportive boyfriend duties,” set off a storm of criticism across social media.
The opening matches in Toronto and Los Angeles clashed by roughly six hours: Canada’s game started at 15:00 EDT on Friday while the US match kicked off at 21:00 EDT. California fans watched the USA’s Hewings play against Paraguay while Katy Perry launched the ceremony with her lesser‑known track “Wonder.” 70‑plus million viewers tuned in to that crowd‑sourcing moment, and quickly, footage of the star and Trudeau hugging, sipping beer and “canoodling” in the stands spread online.
Magnets of outrage trailed on platforms like X. One Toronto user called it a “slap in the face of this country” and “distasteful,” while others branded Trudeau a “traitor” and a “fraud.” The backlash illustrates the high expectations placed on public figures to represent national interests—especially when one belongs to a new celebrity’s orbit.
The scandal also sheds light on how Trudeau’s personal life has become entwined with his public role. Now in a relationship with Perry since July 2025, the duo confirmed their partnership in an Instagram post last December, following Trudeau’s split from television host Sophie Grégoire in 2023. Meanwhile, Perry’s own marriages, including a brief marriage to comedian Russell Brand in 2010–12, add another layer to her public persona.
In sum, the former Canadian leader’s choice to attend an American game wore a diplomatic light over the global sporting event and opened a debate on the place of personal relationships in the political sphere—a debate that will continue to play out far beyond the roar of the stadiums.
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