Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Skips Canadas 2026 World Cup Match to Watch Katy Perry Perform in U.S. Opening Ceremony
On June 12, 2026, former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau missed Canada’s opening World Cup match in Toronto to attend the United States’ ceremony in Los Angeles. The Canadian game, a 1‑1 draw with Bosnia & Herzegovina at BMO Field, opened with a ceremony that featured Ryan Reynolds, Mike Myers, Alanis Morissette and dancer Nora Fatehi performing the anthem “Siir Siir.”
Instead of standing in the crowd, Trudeau was photographed in a luxury suite at SoFi Stadium, watching the U.S. team beat Paraguay 4‑1. The U.S. ceremony was headlined by pop star Katy Perry, who dazzled in a floor‑length silver dress. Photographs from the event show the former prime minister and Perry holding hands in a box.
Trudeau addressed the backlash on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, writing, “Sometimes supportive boyfriend duties call. But you know who I’m rooting for to take the Cup.” He added that his presence was a personal decision and that he remains a supporter of Team Canada.
The move sparked a split online. Some users accused Trudeau of putting a personal relationship ahead of national duty, calling him a “fraud.” Others defended his choice, arguing he was not obligated to attend Canada’s match and that he was free to enjoy private events.
The relationship between Trudeau and Perry has been public since mid‑2025. A Montreal dinner in July 2025 fueled dating rumors, and the couple confirmed their romance in December 2025. They appeared together on the Tribeca Festival red carpet on June 8, 2026, for the premiere of Perry’s film “Katy Perry: The Lifetimes Tour – Live from Paris.” At the premiere, Perry referred to Trudeau as “the love of my life.”
The 2026 World Cup is the first edition hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States and the first to feature 48 teams. FIFA’s strategy for the tournament includes celebrity performances to broaden global appeal. In addition to Perry, the U.S. opening match drew high‑profile attendees such as Tom Cruise, David Beckham, Bill Gates and Leonardo DiCaprio.
Canada’s match began at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time, while the U.S. match started at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The time difference technically allowed Trudeau to attend both games, but he chose the U.S. ceremony.
Trudeau’s political career ended in 2025 when he resigned as prime minister and leader of the Liberal Party. He has not held any public office since, making his decision a private choice rather than a political statement.
The controversy highlights the growing intersection of sports, entertainment and celebrity culture. FIFA’s inclusion of high‑profile performances and the presence of well‑known figures at World Cup events reflect a broader trend of blending sporting events with mainstream entertainment to attract wider audiences.
As of now, no official statement has been issued by Canadian soccer officials regarding Trudeau’s absence. The Canadian Soccer Association has not commented on the incident.
The incident remains a point of discussion among fans and commentators, illustrating the complex expectations placed on public figures who are also private individuals.
