In a blend of sports and diplomacy, President Donald Trump took center stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw in Washington, D.C., engaging in conversations with Canada's Mark Carney and Mexico's Claudia Sheinbaum. The event on Friday marked a significant moment for geopolitical relations amid contentious tariff discussions.
President Trump, who has been at the forefront of renegotiating trade terms with both neighboring countries, appeared undeterred by the economic tensions that have led to the imposition of tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports. The United States has levied a 35 percent tariff on goods from Canada and a 25 percent duty on those from Mexico, alongside additional tariffs on steel, aluminum, automobiles, lumber, and copper.
Despite the steep tariffs, President Trump's demeanor at the event was one of ease and confidence. According to a forensic lip reader, Jeremy Freeman, President Trump maintained a casual tone during the proceedings. The lip reader, who specializes in analyzing filmed speech, revealed snippets of the conversation between the leaders.
"I love this," President Trump reportedly said to Carney while observing the World Cup performance. The relaxed atmosphere seemed to present an opportunity for the President to showcase his control in the face of intense negotiations. Freeman also noted that President Trump encouraged the First Lady to join in the enjoyment of the moment, saying, "Come on, join in," gesturing towards the performance.
The meeting, which lasted nearly an hour after the public event, was the first in-person discussion between President Trump and Sheinbaum and the first private sit-down with Carney since trade talks with Canada were halted in October. The leaders' interaction at the World Cup draw indicates that despite the economic confrontations, diplomatic channels remain open.
"We are getting along," President Trump told reporters at the Kennedy Center, confirming future discussions with both leaders. "I think we have a meeting set up for some time after the event," he added, suggesting that diplomacy would continue to be conducted on American terms.
The World Cup draw provided an unorthodox yet strategic setting for diplomacy, bringing together leaders of three North American countries, all co-hosting the upcoming tournament, against a backdrop of global sports excitement. Victor Willis, the lead singer of the Village People, commented on how President Trump's use of the song "YMCA" has brought joy to the American people, a sentiment that Trump seemingly echoed at the event.
The meeting exemplified President Trump's approach to governance, combining cultural soft power with hard-line economic policies. With the eyes of the world on the upcoming World Cup, the United States, Canada, and Mexico are poised to engage in close cooperation, even as they navigate the complexities of trade negotiations.
