Trudeau defends World Cup choice: 'Supportive boyfriend duties'
Former PM skipped Canada's opener in Toronto to watch the U.S. play in Los Angeles, where girlfriend Katy Perry was performing.
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Justin Trudeau found himself defending his World Cup attendance after showing up for the United States' opener against Paraguay in Los Angeles instead of Canada's historic first match at home.
On Friday, June 12, Team Canada played Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto while Team USA faced Paraguay in Los Angeles. Trudeau's girlfriend, pop star Katy Perry, was set to perform during the U.S. opening ceremony. Trudeau chose to be there.
"Sometimes supportive boyfriend duties call," Trudeau posted on social media Saturday. "But you know who I'm rooting for to take the Cup." The post drew immediate backlash from Canadians who felt he should have been in Toronto for the nation's first men's World Cup match on home soil.
Canada hosted the Women's World Cup in 2015, making this year's tournament the first men's World Cup held in the country.
Online reactions ranged from anger to humour. Some called Trudeau a traitor for choosing the U.S. over Canada. Others praised what they called "elite multitasking" — one X user joked: "The guy is wise enough not to end up sleeping in the dog's house."
Perry, who wore both U.S. and Canadian pins on her outfit during the match, appeared to embrace both countries. The U.S. defeated Paraguay 4-1.
While Trudeau defended his decision, some Canadians remained disappointed. One user wrote: "Any Canadian who chooses to cheer the US over Canada is a traitor." Another added: "The guy who told Canadians not to travel to the US is now living there for 'boyfriend duties.'"
Social media reactions signal broader tension around the choice, though Trudeau's light-hearted response seemed aimed at defusing the controversy.