Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Skips World Cup Match to Attend Girlfriend Katy Perry’s Musical Performance

Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has defended himself after being criticized for leaving his country’s first World Cup football match to attend a musical event featuring his girlfriend, Katy Perry. Writing on the social media platform X, he stated, “Sometimes the duties of being a supportive partner call. But you all know well who should win the World Cup trophy.”

The 54-year-old Trudeau chose to attend the World Cup opening ceremony held in the United States, where Katy Perry was performing, instead of watching Canada’s first World Cup match against Bosnia and Herzegovina last Friday. Following increased criticism on social media, Trudeau issued this explanation on Sunday.

Katy Perry was a major highlight at the Los Angeles opening ceremony of the World Cup, held in the U.S. for the first time since 1994. She performed her popular song “Wonder” before the kickoff of the match between the United States and Paraguay on Friday. Trudeau and Perry’s relationship was first made public in July 2025, and they officially confirmed their relationship in December of the same year.

Trudeau previously ended his 18-year marriage to journalist Sophie Grégoire Trudeau with a divorce in 2023. The couple has three children. Additionally, Trudeau resigned from the leadership of the Liberal Party in January 2025, bringing his nine-year prime ministerial tenure to an end.