British Prime Minister Andy Burnham hosted his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney at a soccer match on Wednesday (September 16), giving the leaders a chance to bond over their shared affection for Everton, one of England's most historic clubs.

Burnham became prime minister in July, and in his first call with Carney two days later promised to "roll out the blue carpet" — a reference to Everton's blue kit — and host the Canadian premier at a game.

The leaders held bilateral talks in Liverpool before the match and spoke to the media just before, saying they would discuss closer ties, international diplomacy, the growth of AI, defence and trade.

After that, for 90 minutes their shared aim would be for Everton to beat Wolverhampton Wanderers in the third round of England's League Cup.

Everton, a founding member of the Football League in 1888, are one of the most storied teams in English soccer.

Despite going over three decades without a major trophy, they have the fifth most league wins in the country, with nine.

Burnham has spoken about his lifelong support for the club, going to matches since he was a child in the 1970s, and he has continued to go to games when possible as prime minister.

Carney has said cousins in Liverpool fuelled his Everton fandom, and he has previously attended Everton matches — especially while living in Britain during a seven-year stint as Bank of England governor.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM (SEPTEMBER 16, 2026) (UK POOL - Broadcast: No use UK. Digital: No use UK, except UK newspapers)

1. BRITISH PRIME MINISTER, ANDY BURNHAM, AND CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER, MARK CARNEY, STANDING AT SUITE IN EVERTON'S NEW HILL DICKINSON STADIUM /

(SOUNDBITE) (English) BRITISH PRIME MINISTER, ANDY BURNHAM, SAYING:

"Nice to see you all. Good evening, everybody. What a real life privilege this is for me to welcome the Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney, here this evening. We share so much, Mark. We have a few Liverpool connections, Ireland connections, but of course Everton connections. And it's going to be a special occasion for me being here tonight, and I have a very personal reason to be here as well, to pay tribute to my dad a little later. But Mark, I'm sure I speak for a lot of people in saying you're a great, progressive leader with whom we share so many values, but also with whom we have a shared opportunity on defence cooperation, on trade - and there's been positive developments in that direction recently between the UK and Canada - on AI, which I'm sure we'll discuss. And it's just so good for me to think that I will have somebody to talk to and commiserate about Everton at a G7 meeting, which is a really wonderful thought, because I'll be needing you. But you are so welcome to Liverpool, and obviously to your beloved club, the new home of Everton Football Club. We're delighted that you're with us this evening. Looking forward to the discussion, but thank you very much."

2. (SOUNDBITE) (English) CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER, MARK CARNEY, SAYING: (CONTINUOUS WITH PREVIOUS SHOT)

"Prime Minister, dear Andy. You know, the first time I saw Everton live was in the FA Cup 1989. A classic match, unfortunately went the wrong way, and of course remembered for something more poignant, Hillsborough. And I want to commend you for your role in helping to bring justice and closure, if I may use that term, for that situation. It's an honour to be here. It's a pleasure to be here, quite frankly, but also a real opportunity. I also want to note, you mentioned the personal side, I also lost my father to Alzheimer's, so I know that struggle. But of course, as well, if I may suggest, the pride that he feels in your accomplishments, his accomplishments, as you said, and your family's accomplishments. And you know, in the discussions we've had in the short time in your role, you putting those values, those progressive values to work internationally, with Ukraine, with the difficult situation in the Middle East, aspects there, and now an opportunity for us to build together the right values around AI, the right values on how we cooperate on defence and trade and beyond. So much to learn, much to do, and I just appreciate you making the time."

2. BURNHAM LOOKING AT CARNEY / LEADERS SHAKING HANDS AND MOVING TO MEETING TABLE