Former Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau has cited “boyfriend duties” as the reason for missing Canada’s first World Cup match, opting instead to support his pop star girlfriend Katy Perry, who was performing at the US opening ceremony.
The 54-year-old faced criticism for skipping his country’s first game in the international football tournament, which is being hosted across three nations: the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Taking to social media on Sunday, Trudeau responded: “Sometimes supportive boyfriend duties call. But you know who I’m rooting for to take the Cup.” The post on X was accompanied by an emoji of the Canadian flag.
Perry was among the artists who performed at the opening ceremony in Los Angeles, marking the first World Cup match held in the United States since 1994. Taking the stage on Friday, she performed her song Wonder ahead of Team USA’s game against Paraguay.
Other stars who performed included Tyla, rapper Future, Brazilian singer Anitta, and Blackpink member Lisa. On the same day, Canada held its opening ceremony in Toronto, featuring performances by Michael Bublé and Alanis Morissette.
Trudeau and Perry were first rumored to be together in July 2025 and confirmed their relationship in December. The politician was married to broadcaster Sophie Grégoire Trudeau for 18 years until they announced their split in 2023. The couple have three children.
Trudeau ended his nine-year tenure as Canada’s prime minister after announcing he was stepping down as Liberal Party leader in January 2025.
Perry was married to English comedian Russell Brand from 2010 to 2012 and was later engaged to Pirates of the Caribbean actor Orlando Bloom. The pair, who have a daughter named Daisy Dove, announced their split in July last year.
Perry shot to fame with her number one song I Kissed a Girl and has since had five UK chart-toppers, including California Gurls, Part of Me, and Roar. She has also had two UK number one albums: 2010’s Teenage Dream and 2013’s Prism.
