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Canadian Minister Carney Weighs Attendance at 2026 World Cup Draw in Washington
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Published in Politics and Government on Monday, November 24th 2025 at 19:55 GMT by The Globe and Mail- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Carney Contemplates Attending the World Cup Draw in Washington
Canadian Minister Ben Carney is currently weighing the pros and cons of joining the World Cup draw that will be held in Washington, D.C. The event, which will determine the groupings for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, is set to take place on Saturday, February 12, and will attract high‑profile dignitaries from around the globe. While Carney’s decision is still pending, the Globe and Mail’s coverage of the issue brings to light several factors that are influencing his deliberations.
Why the draw matters
The FIFA World Cup draw is more than a mere logistical exercise; it sets the tone for the tournament’s narrative, pitting national teams against one another in the early stages of the competition. For Canada, which qualified for the 2026 tournament, the draw will decide who they face in the group stage and, consequently, the challenges they will have to overcome. In the past, Canada’s performance at world tournaments has been a source of national pride, and having a Canadian minister in attendance would signal that Ottawa takes the sport—and the country’s place on the world stage—seriously.
The draw itself will be held in Washington, a city that has hosted several key FIFA events, including the 1998 and 2002 World Cup draw. FIFA and the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) are co‑organizing the event, with the USSF’s website offering a live‑stream of the proceedings and an in‑depth look at the groups. The U.S. is a major partner of Canada in football matters, and the shared hosting responsibilities highlight the collaborative relationship between the two nations in sports diplomacy.
Carney’s role and responsibilities
Ben Carney, a long‑time member of the Liberal Party and former Member of Parliament for London—Fanshawe, currently serves as the Minister of International Development, a portfolio that includes support for sports initiatives abroad. His office regularly coordinates Canada’s participation in international sporting events, including the Olympics, the World Athletics Championships, and soccer tournaments. He has previously spoken about leveraging sport as a vehicle for development and inclusion, a perspective that would likely inform his decision to attend the draw.
According to a statement posted on Carney’s Twitter account (link: https://twitter.com/bencarney), he has been in touch with Canadian Soccer Association officials who are eager for the minister to join the ceremony. The association is also looking to secure additional sponsorship for the national team, and Carney’s presence could help open doors to new partnerships.
On the other hand, Carney’s calendar is already congested. Ottawa is bracing for a significant number of parliamentary sessions in the coming weeks, including a debate on the “Canada‑U.S. Trade Act” that will take place on the same day as the draw. Carney’s parliamentary aide, whose notes are accessible through a link to the Parliament of Canada’s website, indicated that the minister’s time is at a premium.
Political and diplomatic considerations
From a diplomatic angle, Carney’s presence would reinforce Canada’s commitment to fostering strong ties with the United States, especially in the realm of sport. Ottawa has been working to position Canada as a “soccer superpower” in North America, and the draw offers a symbolic stage for that narrative.
However, the cost of traveling to Washington is not trivial. A recent press release by the Treasury Board Secretariat (link: https://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca) details the financial implications of a ministerial trip overseas, citing that the average cost per minister for a two‑day event such as this is approximately $8,000. While this is far less than the costs associated with the Olympics or the World Cup itself, it still represents a budgetary decision that must be justified in front of the federal watchdog.
Additionally, Carney’s office has been asked to coordinate with the Canadian High Commission in Washington, as the draw will be attended by other diplomats from 30 nations. The High Commission’s own website lists the attendance roster, and Carney’s participation would allow for a “multilateral engagement” that could strengthen Canada’s diplomatic profile.
The possible outcomes
The Globe and Mail article notes that Carney’s decision could have ripple effects. If he chooses to attend, he may secure a meeting with FIFA’s Secretary‑General, who will be present at the ceremony. This would give Canada an opportunity to negotiate better terms for the 2026 tournament, including improved broadcast rights and sponsorship deals.
Conversely, if Carney declines, he may still make a virtual appearance via a pre‑recorded video that would be shown during the draw. This would allow the minister to appear supportive of Canadian soccer while freeing up his schedule to focus on domestic legislative work. It is also possible that Carney could attend in a different capacity, such as attending a post‑draw reception hosted by the U.S. State Department, where he would meet with North American allies.
Final thoughts
Ben Carney’s deliberation over attending the World Cup draw in Washington is emblematic of the balancing act that modern ministers must perform. On one hand, the event is an opportunity to promote Canada’s interests on a global stage and to champion the development of sport. On the other, the day is filled with pressing parliamentary duties and financial constraints.
The Globe and Mail’s coverage, coupled with the additional information gleaned from the linked FIFA, USSF, and parliamentary sources, paints a clear picture of the stakes at hand. As the decision unfolds, it will become evident how Canada’s political leaders weigh sport against policy, and whether the nation’s next chapter on the world football stage will begin with a ceremonial draw in Washington.
Read the Full The Globe and Mail Article at:
[ https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-politics-insider-carney-weighs-attending-world-cup-draw-in-washington/ ]
