Harry Kane Confirms Golf Round With Donald Trump

England captain Harry Kane has confirmed he played a round of golf with US President Donald Trump about 18 months ago in Palm Beach, Florida, describing the experience as "pretty surreal." This news comes just days before England's World Cup quarter-final clash with Norway.

Why it matters: The meeting between Kane and Trump highlights the intersection of sports and politics, drawing attention to both figures just before a major sporting event.

• Kane confirmed the golf round during a pre-match press conference in Miami on July 11, 2026.
• Trump praised Kane as a great player and good golfer, expressing his admiration on social media.
• The round of golf took place approximately 18 months ago, making it a notable event in Kane's career.

Driving the news: Trump disclosed the golf outing when speaking to reporters on July 10, 2026, calling Kane a "great player" and noting their time together on the golf course.

• Kane reciprocated the compliments during his press conference, stating he appreciated the invitation and enjoyed the game.
• Trump emphasized Kane's golfing abilities, stating, "He's really great," highlighting their friendly rapport.

State of play: As England prepares for its World Cup quarter-final against Norway, Kane's remarks about Trump have drawn mixed reactions from fans and commentators.

• Some see the interaction as a lighthearted moment between sports and politics, others criticize the association with Trump.
• The match against Norway is set for July 12, 2026, adding urgency to Kane's focus on the game.

The big picture: The golf outing reflects broader dynamics in sports, where athletes often engage with political figures, sometimes leading to controversy.

• Kane's experience with Trump could influence public perception of both the player and the president.
• As the World Cup progresses, such interactions may affect team morale and public sentiment.

What they're saying: Kane described the golf game as a unique experience, stating, "When the President invites you somewhere, it was a pretty surreal experience just to meet him, and to play golf with him."

• He also praised Trump's golf skills, saying, "His golf is pretty good, to be honest. I hope I can play golf as well as him when I’m his age, that’s for sure."
• Trump's comments on TruthSocial included, "Harry Kane of England is a GREAT player!!!" immediately after England's round-of-16 win over Mexico.

By the numbers: The golf round took place roughly 18 months prior to the press conference, emphasizing the long-standing nature of their acquaintance.

• England's recent match against Mexico ended with a score of 3-2, propelling them into the quarter-finals.
• Trump's comments came just days before England's next match, heightening interest in Kane's performance.

Between the lines: The golf game serves as a reminder of how athletes navigate relationships with political figures, often facing scrutiny from fans and media alike.

• Kane's relationship with Trump may influence how fans perceive his leadership on and off the field.
• Engaging with political figures can bring both support and backlash for athletes, particularly in politically charged environments.

What's next: As England gears up for their quarter-final match against Norway, Kane will need to channel the positive aspects of his experience with Trump into his performance on the field.

• The match is set for July 12, 2026, with high expectations for Kane and his teammates.
• Manager Thomas Tuchel has emphasized the need for bravery against Norway's star player, Erling Haaland.