For nearly a decade, Noah Schnapp has been closely tied to one of America’s most recognizable streaming hits. As Will Byers on Stranger Things, he grew up on-screen in front of millions of viewers, becoming one of the defining young faces of modern pop culture. To many fans, he isn’t just an actor. He’s part of a cultural phenomenon that helped define Netflix’s dominance in the late 2010s.That’s why his appearance during today’s Olympic men’s hockey gold medal game caught so many people off guard.During the highly anticipated matchup between the United States and Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics, cameras captured Schnapp in the stands wearing a bright red Team Canada jersey. He wasn’t quietly blending in, either. He was seated among a sea of Canadian supporters, cheering as the two North American rivals battled it out for gold.Credit: NetflixThe moment didn’t stay confined to the arena for long. Clips quickly circulated online, and reactions followed almost instantly.A Historic Win for the U.S., But Controversy for Noah SchnappThis wasn’t just any hockey game. The U.S. and Canada rivalry in men’s hockey is one of the fiercest in international sports. With decades of tense matchups and Olympic storylines behind it, the 2026 gold medal game carried serious weight.The United States ultimately defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime, clinching its first Olympic gold medal in men’s hockey since the legendary 1980 “Miracle on Ice” team shocked the world. That historic victory in Lake Placid has long been considered one of the most iconic moments in American sports history.So when the U.S. secured the win in overtime this time around, emotions ran high. For American fans, it was a moment of pride. For Canadian fans, it was heartbreak. After hitting the game-winner, Jack Hughes gave Americans even more reason to be proud.How to Represent America at the Olympics.A Tutorial by Jack Hughes.No more wokesters. pic.twitter.com/SeacMR4XW9— Ben Hart (@BenHart_Freedom) February 23, 2026And in the middle of it all was a young Hollywood star wearing the “wrong” jersey—at least in the eyes of some viewers.Dual Citizenship, Divided OpinionsTo be clear, Schnapp holds dual citizenship. He has both American and Canadian ties, which legally and personally give him every right to support either country.But online, nuance tends to disappear quickly.Many critics pointed out that Schnapp built his career in the United States. He rose to fame through an American production, plays an American character, and has largely been associated with U.S.-based projects. To those upset by his choice, his public support of Canada during such a high-profile matchup felt like a symbolic snub.Others pushed back just as strongly.Noah Schnapp supporting Canada during the USA-Canada gold medal men’s hockey game at the 2026 Olympics. pic.twitter.com/jGOSdY5Yl2— Stranger News (@StrangerNews11) February 22, 2026Supporters argued that dual citizenship is exactly that—dual. People with connections to two nations often feel pride for both, and international sporting events frequently force them to choose. For some, Schnapp’s jersey wasn’t controversial at all.Still, that didn’t stop social media from lighting up.Fame and National Identity CollideThere’s something about international sports that amplifies everything. National pride becomes personal. Wins and losses feel bigger than the scoreboard.When a celebrity steps into that space, the reaction can be intense.Schnapp isn’t the first public figure to spark backlash for supporting a country that isn’t strictly aligned with their public persona. But in the age of viral clips and instant outrage, moments like this spread at lightning speed. For some American fans celebrating a historic triumph, seeing a familiar Hollywood face cheering for the opposing side felt like a clear statement.That visual proved powerful.Credit: NetflixThe Stranger Things FactorSchnapp’s association with Stranger Things makes the situation even more layered.The Netflix series became a defining American pop culture export. Set in Indiana during the 1980s, it leans heavily into Americana, Cold War tension, and small-town U.S. identity. Schnapp’s character, Will Byers, is central to that story.For some fans, that connection blurred the line between actor and character. They see him as part of an American cultural product. So when he visibly supports another country in a major international event, it feels personal.As of now, Schnapp has not publicly addressed the reaction. It’s unclear whether he anticipated the level of attention his jersey would receive, but it stands to reason that he would expect some backlash after showing up to one of the biggest sporting events of the year supporting the U.S.’s rival.The U.S. gold medal victory will be remembered as a historic moment regardless of who sat in the stands. For American hockey fans, the 2-1 overtime win marks the end of a 46-year wait for Olympic gold, and they were able to do it against the clear favorite in classic underdog fashion.The post ‘Stranger Things’ Star Noah Schnapp Turns Back on U.S.A. Amid Historic Win appeared first on Inside the Magic.