Carney set to meet Trump and Sheinbaum during World Cup draw events in Washington

Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to hold short, separate discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Friday as all three leaders gather in Washington for the FIFA World Cup draw. The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed a brief encounter with Trump at the Kennedy Center.

The schedule coincides with preparations for the 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico. While Carney had previously suggested he would likely “see the president around there,” Friday’s interactions mark the first direct contact between the two leaders since tensions escalated this fall over a renewed tariff dispute.

Ottawa and Washington remain locked in a trade standoff after negotiations were abruptly paused in October. The talks derailed when President Trump objected to an Ontario government advertisement aired during the World Series that referenced former U.S. president Ronald Reagan while criticizing tariffs. Carney later apologized, saying Canada is prepared to resume discussions whenever the United States is willing to return to the negotiating table.

U.S. ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra has since cast doubt on whether the two sides can reach an agreement before the end of the year, leaving several Canadian export sectors – including manufacturers in Alberta and British Columbia – uncertain about their planning for early 2026.