Trump meets Mexican, Canadian leaders after World Cup draw, discusses trade  immigration

US President Donald Trump on Friday held talks with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in Washington following the draw ceremony for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

The White House confirmed the meeting but did not release further details. Speaking to reporters ahead of the draw, Trump said discussions would focus on immigration and trade.

Canadian broadcaster CTV, citing the Prime Minister’s Office, reported that the three leaders met privately without their aides.

Sheinbaum described the meeting as “excellent,” noting that the leaders discussed “the great opportunity that the 2026 FIFA World Cup represents.” In a post on X, the Mexican president said the parties agreed to continue working together on trade issues through their respective teams.

The meeting comes amid rising trade tensions between the three North American partners, following tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on imports from Canada and Mexico. The measures have been justified by the White House as efforts to curb illegal immigration, fentanyl trafficking and trade imbalances.

It also takes place ahead of the scheduled 2026 review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Earlier this week, Trump said Washington could either allow the pact to expire or renegotiate it, accusing both neighboring countries of taking advantage of the US.

Canada and Mexico, meanwhile, announced a bilateral partnership on trade and security in September, underscoring efforts to strengthen cooperation amid growing uncertainty over the future of the USMCA.