Donald Trump took a break from celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States to praise England captain Harry Kane on social media, calling him a 'great player' after England's stunning 3-2 victory over Mexico at the Azteca Stadium.
Trump's Praise for Kane
The US President, 80, posted on his Truth Social platform: 'Harry Kane of England is a GREAT player!!!' The post came after Kane scored England's third goal in the historic win, which saw the Three Lions overcome a second-half red card to reach the World Cup quarter-finals.
Trump, who had spent most of the weekend posting about the US anniversary, appeared to be among the millions watching the match. The Azteca was filled with England supporters, and fans back home stayed up late to witness the victory.
Match Summary
Jude Bellingham opened the scoring with two goals in the 36th and 38th minutes. Mexico pulled one back through Julian Quinones in the 42nd minute, but England held a 2-1 lead at half-time. The match turned in the 54th minute when defender Jarell Quansah was sent off after a VAR review for a high tackle. Despite being reduced to ten men, Kane quickly restored England's two-goal lead with a penalty, awarded after Anthony Gordon was fouled. Mexico's Raul Jimenez also scored from the spot, but Jordan Pickford made crucial saves to preserve the 3-2 scoreline.
Kane's Reaction
After the game, 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 penalty was Kane's sixth goal of the tournament and his 14th in World Cup history, tying him with Gerd Müller for fifth on the all-time scoring list. The former Tottenham Hotspur forward sits one behind Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland in the Golden Boot race.
Trump's FIFA Controversy
Trump's praise for Kane is not the first time he has commented on a player this tournament. The US President is at the center of a FIFA controversy after the governing body allowed US forward Folarin Balogun to play in the last-16 match against Belgium, despite receiving a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina. FIFA's Disciplinary Committee suspended Balogun's one-match ban with a one-year probationary period.
Trump quickly 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 with astonishment, 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 emerged that a White House official called FIFA president Gianni Infantino to request a review of the red card, but FIFA insisted the decision was not influenced by political pressure.
