An unremarkable soccer team has become an unexpected diplomatic tool in Canada's trade war with the US

Mark Carney and Andy Burnham watched an Everton soccer game on Wednesday.

Paul Cooper - WPA Pool/Getty Images Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is a big soccer fan, and he's using it as a diplomatic tool.

Carney and Britain's prime minister support the same team, Everton, and watched a game together.

It could be a canny move as Canada seeks to tighten ties with Europe amid its spat with Trump.

If Canada wants to become more European, it may help to start with the continent's most beloved pastime: soccer.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and his British counterpart Andy Burnham watched Everton beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 on Wednesday.

They were pictured pumping their fists, hugging, and donning scarves in Everton's colors — blue and white.

It was also a useful piece of diplomatic theater.

Everton is not a particularly flashy team.

The Toffees haven't won a major trophy for 31 years, typically finish in the lower half of the Premier League, and are consistently overshadowed by their local rival, Liverpool.

On the other hand, Evertonians are among the most committed and passionate fans in the sport.

Carney, who spent seven years as Bank of England governor , previously made his Everton support public while he lived in the country.

So too has Burnham, a native of northwest England, whose charisma and down-to-earth everyman image was key in elevating him to prime minister in July.

A historic meeting marked with a win. 👌🔵 @Andyburnham 🤝 @MarkJCarney pic.twitter.com/s4qmuAjzRJ — Everton (@Everton) September 17, 2026 While Burnham, a longtime season-ticket holder, used to sit in the stands at Hill Dickinson Stadium, security requirements meant he and Carney had to watch from the corporate seats.