Justin Trudeau Addresses Missing Canada World Cup Game for Katy Perry
See Tom Cruise, Katy Perry & More Stars at U.S. 2026 World Cup Opener
Justin Trudeau’s plans raised some eyebrows last Friday night.
But it wasn’t because he danced on tabletops or went streaking in the park. Instead, the former Prime Minister of Canada spent the evening of June 12 watching the United States compete in its first game at the 2026 FIFA World Cup—at the same time Canada played, ultimately missing his country’s opener.
After all, as Trudeau himself pointed out, his girlfriend Katy Perry was performing at the World Cup’s Opening Ceremony ahead of the U.S. men’s national team game.
“Sometimes supportive boyfriend duties call,” Trudeau tweeted in response to an article by The Athletic noting his absence at Canada’s game. “But you know who I’m rooting for to take the Cup.”
And indeed, the 54-year-old drove his message home with a Canadian flag emoji capping off his note.
Perry hit the stage at SoFi Stadium on June 12 alongside performers Tyla, Future, Anitta, LISA and Rema. She even performed a duet of her 2024 song “Wonder” with 10-year-old artist Tius while flags from around the world were waved in a circle around them.
The performance was one of three taking place across the host countries of the World Cup that same evening. In Mexico, before the country faced off against South Africa, fans in Azteca Stadium were treated to performances from artists including Maná and Los Ángeles Azules.
Meanwhile in Toronto, in Trudeau’s home country, Michael Bublé performed alongside Alessia Cara and Alanis Morisette before Canada tied with Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Stu Forster/Getty Images & Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Tribeca Festival
As for Trudeau’s decision to be there for Perry’s performance, it shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise. After all, the pair have been going strong since summer 2025.
In fact, Perry recently shared insight into how much her life has bloomed since the former politician came into her life.
“I am very in love,” she said during the NYC premiere of her concert film Katy Perry: The Lifetimes Tour June 8, where she and Trudeau also made their red carpet debut, adding of the project, “Actually that show was after I met the love of my life, and so I felt very anchored by that.”
For the “Roar” singer, Trudeau has become her perfect counterpoint.
“Because I'm a little bit like a rainbow kite,” Perry said. “I fly super high and like, you know, touch the veil, cosmos, and sometimes I need to be anchored. So, to have that anchor finally makes me feel really whole now.”
As for other celebrities taking in the action at the World Cup, read on.
Jared C. Tilton/FIFA via Getty Images
Katy Perry
The Grammy nominee lit up SoFi Stadium like a firework June 12 by performing her song "Wonder" alongside Tius Luka before kickoff.
Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
Tom Cruise & David Beckham
The Mission: Impossible star and soccer legend signed autographs as they watched Team USA take on Paraguay June 12.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Paris Hilton
The reality TV heiress? She thinks soccer is hot.
Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images
Tyla
The "Water" singer made it hotter during her U.S. World Cup opening ceremony performance.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Rob Lowe
The Parks & Recreation alum was lit'rally stoked to watch the U.S. soccer stars take the pitch on June 12.
John Dorton/USSF/Getty Images
LISA
How you like that? The BLACKPINK singer performed "Goals" during the U.S. World Cup opening ceremony on June 12.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Elmo & Cookie Monster
The Muppets were out to support the soccer stars... let's just hope Rocco doesn't show up to Los Angeles Stadium.
Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
Ryan Reynolds
The Deadpool star was in the stands at the Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto June 12.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Josh Peck
The Drake & Josh actor is ready to cheer with fellow fans—and he may just add in a "Hug me brotha!" if he witnesses a goal.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Jaafar Jackson
The nephew of Michael Jackson moonwalked his way into Los Angeles Stadium to watch Team USA take on Paraguay.
Kelvin Kuo/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
Future
The rapper was decked out in patriotic colors as he arrived for his performance at the U.S. World Cup opening cereminy.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Becky G
The Brazilian musician attended to watch Team USA vs. Paraguay.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Christen Press & Tobin Heath
The former U.S. Women's National Team players—and current couple—showed up to support their male counterparts.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Jaxson Dart & Marissa Ayers
The New York Giants quarterback and his girlfriend prove their love for fútbol in Los Angeles.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Gerran Howell & Taylor Dearden
The Pitt actors left the emergency room and headed to Los Angeles Stadium to watch Team USA.
Tom Weller/picture alliance via Getty Images
Shakira
On June 11, the "Waka Waka" singer returned to the World Cup to perform the event's "Dai Dai" in Mexico City during the first of three opening ceremonies.
Carl Recine/Getty Images
Burna Boy
The Grammy winner joined Shakira on their World Cup duet "Dai Dai."
Tom Weller/picture alliance via Getty Images
Salma Hayek Pinault
The Oscar nominee officially welcomed the Mexico City crowd ahead of the Mexico vs. South Africa match on June 11.
Hector Vivas/FIFA via Getty Images
J Balvin
The "Loco Contigo" singer performed a medley of his hits during the opening ceremony in Mexico City June 11.
Tom Weller/picture alliance via Getty Images
Andrea Bocelli & EJAE
The Italian opera legend and KPop Demon Hunters star joined together to perform the World Cup's official anthem "DNA" together at Mexico's opening ceremony.
Luke Hales/Getty Images
Danny Ocean
The "Me Rehúso" singer made history as the first Venezuelan artist to perform at a FIFA World Cup opening ceremony during the Mexico vs. South Africa game.
Ezra Shaw - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Alanis Morissette
You oughta know the Canadian icon performed the national anthem during Canada's opening ceremony in Toronto June 12.
Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images
Michael Bublé
The Grammy winner sang a cover of Sam Cooke's "Bring It On Home to Me" before Canada's June 12 game against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Courtesy of Michelob ULTRA
Shay Mitchell
Ahead of the U.S. World Cup opening ceremony, the Pretty Little Liars alum picked out a jersey at the Michelob ULTRA Pitchside Club in Santa Monica, Calif.
Courtesy of Peacock
Anthony Ramos
The Twisters star cheered on Mexico at Peacock and Telemundo's World Cup watch party on June 11.
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