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

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

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.

A historic meeting marked with a win. 👌🔵@Andyburnham 🤝 @MarkJCarney pic.twitter.com/s4qmuAjzRJ

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.

Carney's trip to the soccer came just a few hours after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen backed proposals for Canada to become an associate member of the European Union.

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Closer trade ties to the EU — the world's second-largest economy by GDP — would be a boon for Canada as its relationship with the US falters.

Canada this month imposed new duties of up to 50% on hundreds of US imports, including cheese, honey, and aluminum foil, in retaliation for Trump's tariffs on Canadian goods.

Late on Wednesday, Trump threatened to retaliate against the EU if it follows through on the proposal to make Canada an associate member, calling the prospect "laughable."

While the UK has been outside the EU since Brexit in 2020, Burnham has said he wants the country to be "bolder" in working closer with the bloc. Rejoining may be a politically fraught move, but closer trade relations aren't off the table.