​The United States Men’s National Team was eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a loss to Belgium on Monday night, leaving fans wondering what’s next for U.S. soccer. Yet despite the setback, there remains a thread of involvement with the tournament that ties into a surprising public interaction: President Donald Trump. In recent days, Trump disclosed that he had played golf with England’s star striker Harry Kane, stating that he “likes him a lot.” Kane himself confirmed the golf outing, adding a layer of intrigue to the cross-Atlantic sports moment.
Earlier in the week, Trump spoke to the media about his impressions of Kane, calling him a great player and recounting that they had shared a round of golf together. “I think Kane is a great player,” Trump told reporters during a press conference. “I played golf with him, and I like him a lot. He’s a good golfer, too. He’s really great.” The comments came in the wake of Kane’s penalty goal that helped put England ahead in a Round of 16 clash against Mexico, a match that underscored Kane’s importance to the English side as they advanced in the tournament.
On Friday, with England preparing for a clash against Norway, Kane sat with the media and acknowledged the golf invitation from Trump, calling the experience “surreal.” “We played about 18 months ago,” Kane revealed. “He invited me to play when I was down in Palm Beach. When the President invites you somewhere, you know, it was a pretty surreal experience just to meet him and play golf with him.” Kane also offered praise for Trump’s golfing talent, suggesting that Trump’s game, particularly at his age, is something to admire.
“I think his golf is really good, to be honest with you,” Kane added. “I hope I can play golf as good as him when I’m his age, that’s for sure.” The exchange highlighted not only Kane’s skill on the field but also his willingness to acknowledge a political figure’s influence on a sport’s broader conversation. The moment occurred as Trump marked his 80th birthday, an occasion that was celebrated with a high-profile UFC event set on the White House lawn, a staging that underscored Trump’s penchant for blending sports, pageantry, and politics.
Kane described the Palm Beach outing as a “unique experience” and expressed gratitude for the invitation, emphasizing that it was a memorable chance to connect with a global public figure outside the typical footballing arena. The back-and-forth between Trump and Kane has added a curious dimension to this World Cup season, prompting fans to reflect on the intersections of sport, politics, and celebrity in an event that captivates audiences around the world. The Comeback framed the initial reporting on this sequence, and, as the tournament moves forward, Kane’s reflections on the meeting offer another chapter in the ongoing narrative surrounding England, the United States, and the broader international football landscape.