Wayne Gretzky faces World Cup backlash after – Sports News
Wayne Gretzky’s attendance at Canada-Morocco led to some backlash at home. (Image: 2026 Jean Catuffe)
NHL icon Wayne Gretzky attended Canada’s World Cup knockout match in opposition to Morocco in Houston on Saturday, but discovered himself below elevated scrutiny back home because of his well-documented ties to President Donald Trump.
Gretzky, extensively thought to be the best hockey participant of all time and an enduring Canadian icon, has confronted political backlash over his relationship with Trump. When Trump declared that Canada may turn into the 51st state, he stoked tensions additional by suggesting that Gretzky was a free agent.
The hockey legend, who resides in Florida, has been noticed {golfing} with Trump on a number of events, and the 2 had been collectively on the FIFA World Cup attract December. Despite displaying up at Houston Stadium to back Canada on Saturday, followers at home had been removed from happy to see him there.
Gretzky appeared on the Canada-Morocco broadcast previous to kickoff, and supporters wasted no time making their opinions recognized. “Wayne Gretzky is at the game? Either he thought Team USA’s game was right now, or he is cheering for Morocco,” one fan posted on X.
“Of course Wayne Gretzky is at the Canada vs Morocco game not even wearing a Canada jersey. Good o’le fake Canadian doesn’t even try to hide how he loves the USA,” one other added.
President Donald Trump (Image: Getty Images)
“Reporting live from the Canada v Morocco watch party at Ottawa Stadium (TD Place) where the crowd has booed both Gianni Infantino and Wayne Gretzky,” a third wrote. Another then added, “Who is Wayne Gretzky cheering for today? America 250 probably.”
Gretzky has performed golf with Trump in Florida and was current at each his election celebration and inauguration.
While Gretzky maintains a friendship with and helps Trump, he drew criticism for remaining quiet when the U.S. President prompt Canada ought to turn into an American state.
During the World Cup draw ceremony, Gretzky displayed his national delight by sporting a Canadian pin badge. He was additionally noticed conversing with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, a devoted Edmonton Oilers supporter—the franchise the place Gretzky achieved legendary standing.
Addressing accusations that he had deserted his Canadian heritage, Gretzky responded to the controversy during an look on the 100% Hockey With Millard and Shannon podcast. When questioned about whether or not he grasped Canadians’ frustration over his silence relating to Trump’s risk to make Canada the 51st state, Gretzky defined his place.
“Oh, sure, because Canadians are proud but here’s the two factors,” Gretzky acknowledged. “I don’t know how many people move to the U.S., whether it’s business or entertainment or hockey, and I don’t know the exact number, but I would tell you that over 90 percent of them become American citizens.
“I by no means turned an American citizen. I’m Canadian. I am unable to vote within the U.S. as a result of I stay within the U.S, and I’m Canadian. I am unable to vote in Canada as a result of I do not stay in Canada.”
Gretzky maintains that his association with Trump should not draw criticism, given that politics is never a topic of conversation between them. “Well, sure, however as I stated to the prime minister, he would not inform me how to play hockey,” Gretzky stated. “I’m not going to inform him what to do in politics. Simple as that.”
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