Harry Kane, England’s leading scorer in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, recently recounted a surprisingly intimate golf outing with former U.S. President Donald Trump. The round, arranged about a year and a half ago in Palm Beach, Florida, left the Tottenham forward both amused and impressed by the former commander‑in‑chief’s surprisingly deft swing.
Kane described the experience as “surreal,” noting that the invitation to play on Trump’s private course was a far‑cry from the usual stadium lights and global tournaments he is accustomed to. He praised Trump’s golfing ability, recalling how the former president’s drive seemed to cut through the Florida humidity with a confidence that reminded Kane of a seasoned pro.
A Surprising Round on the Green
The encounter took place on a sun‑drenched afternoon at Trump’s Mar-a‑Lago estate, where the English squad had gathered for a brief respite before the knockout stages. While the players normally focus on tactical briefings, Kane found himself swapping strategies on the fairway, exchanging banter about penalty kicks and putts.
During the same tournament, England’s midfield star Jude Bellingham sparked headlines by publicly criticizing coach Thomas Tuchel after a narrow victory over Norway. Kane, however, stepped in to defend the squad’s cohesion, insisting that personal opinions do not threaten the team’s collective goal of advancing deep into the competition.
With six goals to his name, Kane sits tied with Bellingham at the top of the tournament’s scoring chart. The forward is now eyeing a second World Cup title for England, a feat that would mark the nation’s first championship since the 1966 triumph. The path to that historic moment includes a semifinal clash against Argentina on July 15, a match that promises to test England’s resolve.
The stakes are heightened by the looming final against Spain scheduled for July 19. As the English camp prepares for the high‑pressure encounter, Kane’s reflections on his golf outing with Trump serve as a reminder of the odd intersections between sport, politics and celebrity that characterize major tournaments.