Politics
Canada’s World Cup run ends in heartache — but politicos embrace soccer
CALGARY, Alberta — In a room packed full of international dignitaries within earshot of Calgary’s iconic Stampede rodeo, Canada’s historic run at the 2026 World Cup ended with an anticlimactic whimper.
Irish Ambassador to Canada John Concannon marked his country’s assumption of the EU Council presidency with a Stampede reception attended by a delegation of European envoys. “This must rank as the friendliest European invasion in history,” he quipped.
As the seconds ticked away in Canada’s knockout-round showdown with Morocco, few minglers at the Irish reception noticed the TV at the back of the room — set on mute — broadcasting the Moroccan victory. They were busy pressing the flesh, making small talk and planning their Stampede itineraries.
Back in Ottawa, in the park that hosted recent Canada Day festivities, fans gathered hoping to see Canada move deeper into the tournament. Instead, they cheered the Canadians at the end of an upstart run that will be remembered for years.
In a nation known for hockey, everyone seemed to be a soccer fan — for 22 days, at least.
After Canada’s first-ever men’s World Cup victory on June 18 against Qatar, Prime Minister Mark Carney paid a visit to the locker room. “You showed a level of character that some people never achieve in their life. And you showed it when the entire country and a good part of the world is watching,” he told the players. “I couldn’t be prouder as a Canadian,”
Secretary of State for Sport Adam van Koeverden brought the team an offering when he visited them at practice in Vancouver on June 24 — the Maple Leaf flag that had flown atop the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill on the day of Canada’s opening match.
“They are inspiring a generation and have brought an entire nation together,” he said.
On Canada Day, Governor General Louise Arbour used her first July 1 remarks as the king’s representative to connect the World Cup moment to the national celebration and beyond.
“Whether in FIFA soccer stadiums or at the Olympics, one thing is clear: We know who we’re cheering for,” she said. “And when we play ferociously … we don’t hate the other team, we just like them better when they lose!”
To that, she added: “This is us. We like to play. And we play by the rules.” Even the king’s representative can subtweet a trade war.
FCC chair Brendan Carr on Trump, free speech and his threats against broadcasters
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Former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes and his team are discussing dropping out of the crowded Democratic primary for Wisconsin governor, according to two people with direct knowledge of the matter.
The conversations come as Democratic officials in the state brace for damaging media reports about Barnes expected to hit in the coming hours. Barnes and his team have been on calls Thursday to discuss how to proceed, according to the people, granted anonymity to share private details.
The primary had become increasingly messy as more moderate leaning Democrats like Barnes have tried to stave off Democratic socialist Francesca Hong’s rise, worried her victory could boost presumed Republican nominee Tom Tiffany. Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers’ endorsement of David Crowley — who reentered the race in the final stretch — further complicated the moderate coalition.
A spokesperson for Barnes’ campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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