Justin Trudeau defends skipping Canada World Cup opener for Katy Perry

Justin Trudeau has responded to criticism after choosing to miss Canada’s opening World Cup match to attend a ceremony and match in the United States alongside his partner Katy Perry.

The former Canadian prime minister was seen at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, where he joined Perry for the opening ceremony before the US faced Paraguay.

The event included performances and appearances by multiple public figures as part of the tournament’s launch activities in California.

Earlier on the same day, Canada played its first World Cup match in Toronto, drawing 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina to secure their first-ever point in the competition.

While several Canadian public figures, including Ryan Reynolds and Mike Myers, attended the match, Trudeau was absent from the stadium.

Television coverage later showed Trudeau and Perry seated together in a luxury suite during the US match. Their appearance prompted discussion online, with some social media users questioning his decision to attend the US fixture instead of Canada’s game.

In response to criticism, Trudeau addressed the situation on X:

Trudeau and Perry’s relationship became public last year after the pair were photographed together in Montreal. They later confirmed their relationship in October during a public appearance in Paris.