Trudeau skips Canada’s World Cup opening to watch Perry’s US performance
Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was caught on camera beside pop star Katy Perry during the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup held in the United States. Instead of attending Canada’s 1‑1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto, Trudeau tweeted, “Sometimes supportive boyfriend duties call. But you know who I’m rooting for to take the Cup,” and added a Canadian flag emoji.
The match between the U.S. and Paraguay, where Perry sang the song “Wonder” from her 2024 album “143,” began at 21:00 EDT. Canada’s match in Toronto had kicked off exactly six hours earlier at 15:00 EDT. Cameras caught the couple in the stands sipping beers and embracing, leading to a flurry of online criticism.
A user on the gaming platform X described the act as “a slap in the face of this country.” Others went further, labelling Trudeau a “traitor” and “fraud.” The former PM’s decision was seen by many as a betrayal of national duty.
Trudeau and Perry have been publicly linked since July 2025 and confirmed their relationship in December via Instagram. They had faced their own public splits: Trudeau’s divorce in 2023 after an 18‑year marriage and Perry’s divorce from comedian Russell Brand in 2012.
The controversy underscores the intersection of politics, celebrity, and sports, especially when public expectations clash with personal priorities. The full story can be read on BBC News: World Cup kicks off in the US with performances from Katy Perry, Future and Tyla.
