Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney made a lighthearted pitch to his Norwegian counterpart during a NATO summit in Türkiye, jokingly asking if star striker Erling Haaland could play for Canada's national soccer team. The exchange, reported by Reuters on July 7, 2026, occurred on the margins of the NATO gathering where Carney met with allied nations.
Playful Diplomacy on the Sidelines
Carney, known for his economic background rather than soccer diplomacy, quipped that Canada could use Haaland's goal-scoring prowess. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre reportedly laughed off the suggestion, noting that Haaland is integral to Norway's own World Cup ambitions. The light moment provided a break from the serious discussions on defense and security at the summit.
Haaland, 25, plays for Manchester City and is one of the world's most prolific strikers, with over 50 goals in the 2025-26 season. He has represented Norway at the senior level since 2019, scoring 38 goals in 40 appearances.
Canada's Soccer Ambitions
Canada's men's national team has been on the rise, qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as co-hosts alongside the United States and Mexico. Carney's jest underscores the country's desire to strengthen its squad, though naturalizing a foreign-born player like Haaland—who holds Norwegian citizenship—would require FIFA eligibility rules changes.
According to a source close to the prime minister, Carney's comment was meant as a joke to break the ice. “It was a humorous moment between two leaders,” the source said. “No serious negotiations took place.”
NATO Summit Context
The NATO summit in Ankara focused on security challenges, including the war in Ukraine and rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific. Carney also met with other allies, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, to discuss defense cooperation. The Haaland quip, however, dominated Canadian media headlines back home.
Norwegian officials declined to comment further, but a spokesperson for Støre confirmed the exchange was “good-natured.”
