Trudeau skips Canada match to watch Perry, cites 'boyfriend duties'

Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has come under fire after skipping Canada's opening World Cup match to watch the United States play, where his girlfriend, pop star Katy Perry, performed during the event. Canada drew 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto on Friday afternoon, while Trudeau attended the USA vs Paraguay match in Los Angeles, which kicked off at 9 PM EDT. The USA won 4-1.

Trudeau posted on social media: 'Sometimes supportive boyfriend duties call. But you know who I'm rooting for to take the Cup,' adding a Canadian flag emoji. Television cameras captured Perry running off stage to greet him with a kiss, and the couple were later seen sipping beers and cuddling in the stands. The images quickly went viral, sparking criticism from some Canadians.

One X user from Toronto called the move 'a slap in the face of this country,' while others labelled Trudeau a 'traitor' and a 'fraud'.

Perry performed the song 'Wonder' from her 2024 album '143' to open the first World Cup game in the US. She told People magazine she chose the relatively unknown ballad because it was fitting for a ceremonial song, instead of performing one of her many hits.

Trudeau and Perry have been publicly linked since July 2025, and confirmed their relationship with an Instagram post in December. Trudeau was married to TV host Sophie Grégoire for 18 years before they announced their separation in 2023. They have three children together. Perry was married to English comedian Russell Brand from 2010 to 2012.