Justin Trudeau Addresses Missing Canada World Cup Game for Katy Perry

See Tom Cruise, Katy Perry & More Stars at U.S. 2026 World Cup Opener

Justin Trudeau’s plans raised some eyebrows last Friday night.

But it wasn’t because he danced on tabletops or went streaking in the park. Instead, the former Prime Minister of Canada spent the evening of June 12 watching the United States compete in its first game at the 2026 FIFA World Cup—at the same time Canada played, ultimately missing his country’s opener.

After all, as Trudeau himself pointed out, his girlfriend Katy Perry was performing at the World Cup’s Opening Ceremony ahead of the U.S. men’s national team game.

“Sometimes supportive boyfriend duties call,” Trudeau tweeted in response to an article by The Athletic noting his absence at Canada’s game. “But you know who I’m rooting for to take the Cup.”

And indeed, the 54-year-old drove his message home with a Canadian flag emoji capping off his note.

Perry hit the stage at SoFi Stadium on June 12 alongside performers Tyla, Future, Anitta, LISA and Rema. She even performed a duet of her 2024 song “Wonder” with 10-year-old artist Tius while flags from around the world were waved in a circle around them.

The performance was one of three taking place across the host countries of the World Cup that same evening. In Mexico, before the country faced off against South Africa, fans in Azteca Stadium were treated to performances from artists including Maná and Los Ángeles Azules.

Meanwhile in Toronto, in Trudeau’s home country, Michael Bublé performed alongside Alessia Cara and Alanis Morisette before Canada tied with Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Stu Forster/Getty Images & Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Tribeca Festival

As for Trudeau’s decision to be there for Perry’s performance, it shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise. After all, the pair have been going strong since summer 2025.

In fact, Perry recently shared insight into how much her life has bloomed since the former politician came into her life.

“I am very in love,” she said during the NYC premiere of her concert film Katy Perry: The Lifetimes Tour June 8, where she and Trudeau also made their red carpet debut, adding of the project, “Actually that show was after I met the love of my life, and so I felt very anchored by that.”

For the “Roar” singer, Trudeau has become her perfect counterpoint.

“Because I'm a little bit like a rainbow kite,” Perry said. “I fly super high and like, you know, touch the veil, cosmos, and sometimes I need to be anchored. So, to have that anchor finally makes me feel really whole now.”

As for other celebrities taking in the action at the World Cup, read on.

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