Mark Carney Reflects on Memorable U.S. Visit and Soccer Draw

During a recent discussion in Ottawa, Mark Carney, Canada’s Prime Minister, shared memorable moments from his recent trip to the United States, highlighting that it was the first occasion he did not dance to the iconic song “Y.M.C.A.” The conversation, moderated by Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, took place on December 5, 2025, and included reflections on various government initiatives.

The song “Y.M.C.A.” by The Village People has gained notoriety as an unofficial anthem for former U.S. President Donald Trump, frequently played at his rallies. Notably, the group performed live on the eve of Trump’s inauguration in 2025. Carney attended a performance in Washington, D.C., during the draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026, where he expressed his surprise at not participating in the customary dance.

Carney quipped, “It’s the first time I haven’t danced to the Y.M.C.A. when it came on, but there you go,” eliciting laughter from the audience. Trump was seen enthusiastically singing along, demonstrating the song’s enduring popularity.

Anticipation for World Cup 2026

As the conversation progressed, Carney discussed the excitement surrounding the upcoming World Cup, noting that the draw is expected to capture the attention of up to one billion viewers worldwide. He emphasized the significant scale of the event, stating, “Those are three hours they’re never going to get back… but that’s the level of excitement in and around it. The country is going to show exceptionally well.”

The discussion also touched on the potential competition for Canada in the tournament. Carney humorously remarked on the possibility of facing a European team, suggesting, “We get the winner of one of the European playoffs. Potentially Italy, or if not Italy, someone better than Italy,” prompting laughter and gasps from the audience. He quickly clarified his statement, noting, “This is not like an overall judgment but — can we roll that back?”

Future Relations and Optimism

As the conversation drew to a close, Sutcliffe inquired about Carney’s vision for Canada’s future, especially considering the complex relationship with the United States. Carney highlighted the resilience of Canadians amidst challenges arising from U.S. policies. He expressed optimism, stating, “Canadians came together in the face of challenges, challenges directly from the United States, challenges more broadly.”

Carney underscored a collaborative spirit, noting, “what we’re realizing, myself included, is there are such a wide range of things that we can do. We can build our homes. We can build our defense industry. We can capitalize on photonics, on AI, beyond.”

He pointed out that when he and his ministers meet with various countries, they find a strong interest in doing business with Canada, asserting, “They are desperate to do more business with Canada because we have much of what they want, and they respect us.”

This conversation not only showcased Carney’s charm but also highlighted the significance of upcoming events and the potential for stronger international relations as Canada prepares to take center stage in the global arena.