# Soccer diplomacy as Canada pivots from the US

> Mark Carney and Andy Burnham's Everton outing signals Canada's push for closer European ties amid a trade war with Trump.
- Title: Soccer diplomacy as Canada pivots from the US | Shortify
- Summary: Mark Carney and Andy Burnham's Everton outing signals Canada's push for closer European ties amid a trade war with Trump. Canada is using high-profile…
- Keywords: canada, mark carney, andy burnham, everton, trade war, us tariffs, european union, associate membership, donald trump, diplomatic relations, canada-us trade, business
- Source: Business Insider — https://businessinsider.com/canada-mark-carney-everton-soccer-diplomacy-trade-war-trump-2026-9
- Author: Pete Syme
- Published: 2026-09-17T14:05:56.049+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: canada, mark carney, andy burnham, everton, trade war, us tariffs, european union, associate membership, donald trump, diplomatic relations, canada-us trade, business
## Soccer match becomes diplomatic stage
Canadian PM Mark Carney and British PM Andy Burnham watched Everton beat Wolverhampton 1-0 on Wednesday, pumping fists and wearing team scarves in a carefully choreographed show of unity.
## Why Everton matters to both leaders
Carney supported Everton during his seven years as Bank of England governor. Burnham, a northwest England native and season-ticket holder, has long been an Evertonians fan.
## EU offers Canada associate membership
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen backed a new associate member status for Canada, potentially offering visa-free travel and access to the EU's single market.
## Canada retaliates with 50% tariffs
Canada imposed new duties of up to 50% on hundreds of US imports including cheese, honey, and aluminum foil, responding to Trump's tariffs on Canadian goods.
## Trump threatens Europe over Canada deal
Trump warned he would impose serious tariffs on Europe if it follows through on making Canada an associate EU member, calling the prospect laughable.

> If they do that, if I think it's at all a hostile act, I will put very serious tariffs or stop trading with Europe on many things.
## The pivot challenge for Canada
More than three-quarters of Canada's exports go to the US, making a full trade reorientation to Europe extremely difficult despite the appeal of EU partnership.
## Key takeaway

Canada is using high-profile diplomatic moments to build relationships with Europe as an alternative to its heavily US-dependent trade.