Former Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau has defended himself after receiving criticism for missing Canada’s first World Cup match to support his pop star girlfriend, Katy Perry.
The 54-year-old opted to attend the US opening ceremony, where Perry was performing, rather than his country’s first game in the international football tournament against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Friday.
Responding to the backlash on social media platform X on Sunday, Mr Trudeau posted: “Sometimes supportive boyfriend duties call. But you know who I’m rooting for to take the Cup,” accompanied by a Canadian flag emoji.
Perry was a headline act at the Los Angeles opening ceremony, marking the first World Cup match in the United States since 1994.
She performed her hit “Wonder” on Friday, preceding Team USA’s game against Paraguay, which Mauricio Pochettino’s side went on to win 4-1 to get their World Cup campaign off to a flying start.
Other notable performers included Tyla, rapper Future, Brazilian singer Anitta, and Blackpink’s Lisa.
Meanwhile, Canada’s own opening ceremony in Toronto featured performances from Michael Buble and Alanis Morrisette.
Mr Trudeau and Perry’s relationship was first rumoured in July 2025, with confirmation following in December.
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The politician was previously married to broadcaster Sophie Gregoire Trudeau for 18 years, splitting in 2023, and they share three children.
He concluded his nine-year tenure as Canada’s prime minister after stepping down as Liberal Party leader in January 2025.
Perry was married to English comedian Russell Brand from 2010 to 2012 and later engaged to actor Orlando Bloom.
The couple, who have a daughter, Daisy Dove, announced their separation last July. Perry rose to prominence with her number one single “I Kissed A Girl” and has since achieved five UK chart-toppers, including “California Girls” and “Roar,” alongside two UK number one albums, “Teenage Dream” (2010) and “Prism” (2013).
