Trudeau says 'boyfriend duties' called after skipping Canada's World Cup opener for US match with Katy Perry
Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faced criticism for missing Canada's first World Cup match to attend the US opener, where his girlfriend Katy Perry performed, and replied that 'boyfriend duties call.'
Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was conspicuously absent from Canada's opening World Cup match against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto on Friday, 12 June 2026. Instead, he travelled to Los Angeles to watch the United States' game against Paraguay, where his girlfriend, pop star Katy Perry, sang at the opening ceremony. Televised clips showed the pair kissing, sipping beers and cuddling in the stands, but online reaction back home was swift and sharp.
Canada takes the field without Trudeau
Canada's first World Cup fixture, played at 15:00 EDT in Toronto, ended in a 1‑1 draw. Trudeau's no‑show drew ire, especially as cameras captured him cheering each US goal in a 4‑1 rout hours later. One X user from Toronto called the snub "a slap in the face of this country. Distasteful doesn't begin to cover it." Others labelled the former leader a "traitor" and a "fraud."
A boyfriend's duty
Trudeau addressed the backlash in a social media post on X, writing,
He appended a Canadian flag emoji, making clear his loyalty lay north of the border. Trudeau and Perry have been publicly linked since July 2025 and confirmed their relationship via Instagram in December. Before the relationship, Trudeau was married to TV host Sophie Grégoire for 18 years; they separated in 2023 and share three children.Sometimes supportive boyfriend duties call. But you know who I'm rooting for to take the Cup.
Duelling opening ceremonies
At the US ceremony in Los Angeles, Perry opted for the little‑known ballad "Wonder" from her 2024 album 143, telling People Magazine the song was "very fitting for the ceremonial song that I get to sing." Across the continent, Canada's opening featured homegrown stars Alanis Morissette, Michael Bublé and French rapper Vegedream.
Trudeau insists he supports Canada
Despite the optics, Trudeau's post signalled no wavering in his allegiance. The draw against Bosnia leaves Canada needing points against Qatar on Thursday, and the unanswered question is whether Trudeau will be in the stands this time.
