Donald Trump provides eight-word verdict on England star after World Cup heroics vs Mexico
US President Donald Trump took to social media to hail Harry Kane as a ‘great player’ after England’s stunning 3-2 World Cup 2026 victory against Mexico at the Azteca Stadium
Donald Trump has praised one England star(Image: Getty Images)
Harry Kane wrapped up England’s stunning triumph against Mexico with an unlikely new admirer – Donald Trump.
The US President headed to Truth Social to heap praise on the England captain after the Three Lions created history by defeating Mexico at the Azteca Stadium. Kane bagged England’s third goal of the match last night, following Anthony Gordon earning a spot-kick.
It arrived moments after the heat was turned up on England as defender Jarell Quansah received his marching orders following a VAR review over a reckless challenge. Supporters back home remained awake into the early hours to witness the fixture, the Azteca was packed with England fans and Trump seemed to be amongst those glued to the Three Lions’ landmark victory.
Trump, 80, headed to his social media platform Truth Social and said: “Harry Kane of England is a GREAT player!!!” Kane’s excellence on the field provided a distraction for Trump who dedicated most of his weekend to posting about the 250th anniversary of the USA.
Jude Bellingham got the ball rolling for England with two consecutive strikes in the 36th and 38th minute of the clash. Mexico responded with a goal from Julian Quinones in the 42nd minute but the contest intensified after the interval.
The Three Lions weathered a second half bombardment after Jarell Quanash saw red in the 54th minute but Kane swiftly restored England’s two-goal cushion with a penalty, moments after they were whittled down to ten players.
Mexico’s Raul Jimenez also converted from the spot but Jordan Pickford repelled the subsequent barrage from Mexico to preserve the eagerly awaited clash at 3-2. Speaking after the match, Kane said: “It was a crazy game. We had to fight.
“I can’t really talk, but the occasion, the team, everything against us, we found a way.”
The striker’s spot-kick, given following the foul on Gordon, marked his sixth goal of this tournament and 14th of his World Cup career, equalling Gerd Müller of West Germany for fifth on the all-time scoring chart. Kane, the former Tottenham Hotspur striker, trails by just one behind Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland in the Golden Boot battle.
Trump’s peculiar message of gratitude for Kane hasn’t been his first intervention regarding a player this tournament. The US President now finds himself at the heart of another FIFA storm.
FIFA has permitted the United States’ Folarin Balogun to feature in the last-16 showdown with Belgium despite receiving a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina. On Sunday, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee revealed it would replace Balogun’s one-match suspension with a probationary period of one year.
Trump swiftly posted on Truth Social, writing: “Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!” The Belgian Football Association responded angrily to the extraordinary FIFA ruling, stating: “The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) is astonished by FIFA’s decision to declare suspended United States player Folarin Balogun eligible to play in the USA–Belgium match.”
Subsequent reports suggest that an official from the White House contacted the governing body to request FIFA president Gianni Infantino to reassess the red card Balogun was shown – FIFA have maintained that their decision was not swayed by the White House, despite receiving a direct call.
