Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleTrudeau missed Canada's game to support Katy Perry (AP)Former Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau faced criticism for missing Canada’s opening World Cup match, opting instead to attend the US opening ceremony. Trudeau attended the Los Angeles event to support his girlfriend, pop star Katy Perry, who was a headline performer. Responding to the backlash on social media platform X, Trudeau defended his choice by stating it was due to “supportive boyfriend duties”. Katy Perry performed her hit 'Wonder' at the ceremony, preceding Team USA’s game against Paraguay, which the US side won 4-1. Trudeau concluded his nine-year tenure as Canada’s prime minister after stepping down as Liberal Party leader in January 2025. In fullJustin Trudeau responds to critics after skipping Canada World Cup game for Katy PerryThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

Trudeau's girlfriend, Katy Perry, sang before the U.S.'s game against Paraguay on Friday.

Within a few minutes of the spotting, Canadians took to social media to express their disappointment with the former Canadian Prime Minister attending the game in Los Angeles…

Sometimes supportive boyfriend duties call. But you know who I’m rooting for to take the Cup 🇨🇦 https://t.co/85DXvsyCPp

Trudeau attended USA’s first World Cup match after skipping Canada’s opening game