Six goals, one assist, and a round of golf with the President of the United States. Harry Kane's 2026 World Cup build-up has taken an unexpected turn after the England captain confirmed he played golf with Donald Trump in Palm Beach around 18 months ago — and came away quietly impressed by the 80-year-old's game.

Kane made the revelation in the days leading up to England's World Cup quarter-final against Norway in Miami (kick-off 22:00 BST on Saturday), and the anecdote was not short on detail.

"He invited me to play when I was down in Palm Beach," Kane said. "So yeah, when the president invites you somewhere... It was a pretty surreal experience just to meet him and obviously play golf with him."

The Bayern Munich striker was careful not to oversell his own performance ("I played alright to be honest") but was generous about his host's: "His golf is pretty good, to be honest with you. I hope I can play golf as good as him when I'm his age, that's for sure."

Trump, who was present for the tournament as the United States co-hosts the 2026 World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico, had already broken the story from his end. After England beat Mexico 3-2 in the last 16, Trump told reporters: "I think Kane is a great player. I played golf with him and I like him a lot. He's a good golfer too. He's really great."

Context: England's captain at a World Cup quarter-final

The golf chat is light relief, but the football stakes are anything but trivial. Kane goes into Saturday's quarter-final as the tournament's standout England performer — six goals and an assist from the group stage through to the last 16. That tally puts him firmly in the conversation for the Golden Boot, though the market has tightened considerably given the rivals still standing.

Norway represent the most obvious threat England have faced yet, not least because Erling Haaland is in their side. The Kane-versus-Haaland narrative has dominated pre-match coverage, though Norway head coach Ståle Solbakken has already warned that focusing entirely on Haaland "underestimates" the squad around him.

England's Thomas Tuchel is without Jordan Henderson, who suffered an injury that the manager described as "torture" for the player. That is a meaningful absence in midfield, though Jude Bellingham's return to indispensability — he has been one of England's most consistent performers at the tournament — provides some cushion.

A quirky footnote to a serious campaign

Kane was clear the Palm Beach visit carried a certain novelty that no amount of Champions League football can replicate. "A unique experience," he called it, "but I was just grateful that he invited me to play." There was no political commentary, no posturing — just a striker who plays for one of the world's biggest clubs acknowledging that an invite from a sitting US president is not something you turn down.

The timing of the story is mildly curious given the World Cup is being hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, and Trump has been a visible presence around the tournament. Whether the anecdote helps or hinders Kane's pre-match focus is between him and his preparation routine.

For now, the more pressing matter is Norway at Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday evening. A semi-final place — and the prospect of facing France or Spain — is the prize. The golf can wait.

FAQs

Frequently asked

When did Harry Kane play golf with Donald Trump?
Kane said the round took place in Palm Beach, Florida, approximately 18 months before his comments during the 2026 World Cup. Trump confirmed the story after England beat Mexico in the last 16.
How many goals has Harry Kane scored at the 2026 World Cup?
Kane has scored six goals and provided one assist for England at the 2026 World Cup, taking him through the group stage and the last-16 match against Mexico.
When is England v Norway at the 2026 World Cup?
England face Norway in the World Cup quarter-final on Saturday, with kick-off at 22:00 BST. The game is being played at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.