Trump meets Mexican, Canadian leaders after World Cup draw in Washington

US President Donald Trump convened a private meeting with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Friday in Washington, following the official draw ceremony for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the three nations will jointly host. The White House confirmed the leaders' discussion, which Trump previewed as focusing on immigration and trade, though no detailed readout was provided.

A Private Discussion Amid Strained Relations

The meeting, held without staff present according to Canadian outlet CTV, occurred against a backdrop of deteriorating trade relations, marked by Trump's tariffs on imports from both neighbors. These tariffs, justified by the US as combating illegal immigration, fentanyl trafficking, and trade imbalances, have escalated into a trade war. The talks also precede the scheduled 2026 review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which Trump has threatened to either let expire or renegotiate.

Divergent Public Characterizations

Public statements after the meeting revealed differing emphases. President Sheinbaum described the encounter as "excellent" in a post on X, highlighting discussions on "the great opportunity that the 2026 FIFA World Cup represents" and an agreement to continue working on trade issues through technical teams. This contrasted with Trump's earlier accusatory tone, having stated that the US would "either let it expire or work out another deal," claiming Canada and Mexico had taken "advantage of the United States."

Context of Bilateral Coordination and Future Uncertainty

The trilateral meeting follows Canada and Mexico's announcement of a bilateral trade and security partnership in September, a move seen as bolstering their position ahead of negotiations with Washington. The discussions underscore the complex interplay between shared mega-event logistics and profound economic disputes, setting the stage for a contentious and critical period in North American relations as the USMCA review approaches.