Justin Trudeau responds to criticism over attending U.S. World Cup opener where Katy Perry performed: 'Sometimes supportive boyfriend duties call'

Justin Trudeau is setting the record straight on why he snubbed Canada's World Cup opener in Toronto for the Team USA game on Friday.

On Saturday at 10 p.m. ET, the former Canadian prime minister shared a sweet response to the criticism and headlines that spawned after he was spotted in the stands at the USA vs. Paraguay match on June 12. Trudeau was seen cozying up to Katy Perry while watching the game, which resulted in the American team winning 4-1.

"Sometimes supportive boyfriend duties call. But you know who I'm rooting for to take the Cup," Trudeau penned in his post, alongside a Canadian flag emoji.

Ahead of the match, Perry performed "Wonder" from her 2024 album 143. After her performance, the California native was seen running across the field directly to Trudeau, and the couple — who have been romantically linked since last summer — then entered the stands to watch the game.

However, eagle-eyed social media users were quick to call out the Montreal-based former politician. Shortly before the Los Angeles Stadium match, Canada faced Bosnia and Herzegovina during a World Cup opener in Toronto — and people noticed Trudeau made a decision to skip that historic game.

"So you're telling me Justin Trudeau attended America's home opener and not Canada's … wild times," one person wrote on X.

"Arrest Justin Trudeau right now," an X user penned. "What is he doing at a USA game?"

"Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau at the USA World Cup game??? Boy is not Canada down," someone quipped.

Perry was a performer at the opening ceremony in Los Angeles on June 12, taking the stage and joining artists like South African star Tyla, Brazilian artist Anitta and Blackpink member Lisa for a star-studded event. Mexico City held its opening ceremony on June 11, with Shakira and Nigerian artist Burna Boy performing.

In Toronto, Alanis Morissette and Michael Bublé were the headlining acts of Canada's World Cup opener. Other artists, including Alessia Cara, Elyanna, Jessie Reyez and Nora Fatehi, took the stage earlier in the show.

Katy Perry hints at her love for Canada

At the Los Angeles opener, "California Gurls" artist Perry was also seen sporting a pin that featured both the Canadian and American flags. In April, she made a comment on TikTok saying she was "Canada down," referencing a viral response Tate McRae made after seeing backlash for starring in a Team USA Winter Olympics ad.

Fans online were quick to notice the small detail on Perry's silver sequin dress. Some even dubbed her as a new Canadian in reference to her relationship with Trudeau.

Justin Bieber, Ryan Reynolds also at World Cup openers

Friday's World Cup opener in Toronto — which saw Canada tie Bosnia and Herzegovina 1-1 — also saw some stars beyond those who performed.

Canadian actor Will Arnett, known for his work in Arrested Development and BoJack Horseman, welcomed the flags of the 48 nations that qualified for the 2026 World Cup with an inspiring speech about a "one living mosaic" of cultures. Actors Ryan Reynolds and Mike Myers were also seen in the stands cheering for Team Canada.

Canadian pop star Justin Bieber was also spotted with his wife, Hailey Bieber, at the Los Angeles game on Friday. Backstage videos of the Stratford, Ont.-raised artist performing a toned down version of his hit song "Yukon" also surfaced across social media.