US President Donald Trump has weighed in on World Cup commentary with an eight-word verdict on England captain Harry Kane. Reacting to England's 3-2 victory over co-hosts Mexico in Mexico City, Trump posted on Truth Social: 'Harry Kane of England is a GREAT player!!!'
England's Heroic Performance
England defied the odds to beat Mexico and advance to the World Cup quarter-finals. Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane scored one of England's three goals from the penalty spot, while Jude Bellingham netted the other two. The Three Lions, bidding to win the tournament for the first time since 1966, looked in control after Bellingham's two first-half goals. The first came from Bukayo Saka's cross, the second from Kane's pass across the goal. Mexico's Julian Quinones scored just before half-time, and England were reduced to 10 men 10 minutes into the second half. Despite waves of Mexican attacks, England held on to secure their place in the quarter-finals.
Trump's Rare World Cup Commentary
Trump's post is one of the rare occasions he has commented on the World Cup, which the US is co-hosting with Mexico and Canada. In another instance, Trump sparked controversy over efforts to lift a ban on US striker Folarin Balogun. Balogun, who scored three goals in the tournament, was dismissed during the second half of the US's 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. The FIFA Disciplinary Committee suspended Balogun's one-match ban with a one-year probationary period, allowing him to play in the round of 16 against Belgium.
Balogun Ban Controversy
Belgium's head coach Rudi Garcia likened the ruling to 'April Fool's Day' and said his federation was 'defending football' and may appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. According to talkSPORT's Ben Jacobs, Trump communicated directly to FIFA president Gianni Infantino that he felt the punishment was unjust. A US official confirmed: 'The President and Infantino did speak, and the President wanted to better understand the reason why a red card was given and why there was a suspension.' The official added that the appeal process is run by an independent board and that the US government provided additional evidence used in the appeal. Trump posted on Truth Social after the decision: 'Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice! President DONALD J. TRUMP.'
