US President Donald Trump has described England captain Harry Kane as a 'GREAT player' following the Three Lions' dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico in the World Cup 2026 round of 16 at the Azteca Stadium. Trump took to his social media platform Truth Social to praise Kane after the striker scored England's third goal from the penalty spot.
England's Historic Win at the Azteca
England created history by defeating Mexico at the iconic Azteca Stadium, with Jude Bellingham scoring twice in the 36th and 38th minutes to give England a 2-0 lead. Mexico responded through Julian Quinones in the 42nd minute, but the game intensified after the break. England defender Jarell Quansah was sent off in the 54th minute following a VAR review for a reckless challenge, reducing England to 10 men.
Despite being a man down, Kane restored England's two-goal cushion with a penalty after Anthony Gordon was fouled. Mexico's Raul Jimenez also converted a spot-kick, but goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made crucial saves to preserve the 3-2 scoreline. Kane later 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."
Trump's Praise and World Cup Record
Trump, 80, posted on Truth Social: "Harry Kane of England is a GREAT player!!!" The US President's praise came amid a weekend dedicated to posting about the 250th anniversary of the USA. Kane's penalty was his sixth goal of the tournament and his 14th in World Cup history, equalling West Germany's Gerd Müller for fifth place on the all-time scoring list. He trails Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland by one goal in the race for the Golden Boot.
Trump's Previous FIFA Intervention
This is not the first time Trump has intervened in World Cup matters. Earlier, FIFA allowed US player Folarin Balogun to feature in the last-16 tie against Belgium despite receiving a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The FIFA Disciplinary Committee replaced Balogun's one-match suspension with a one-year probationary period. Trump thanked FIFA on Truth Social, writing: "Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!"
The Belgian Football Association responded angrily, 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." Reports suggest a White House official contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino to request a reassessment, though FIFA maintains the decision was not influenced by external pressure.
