World Cup 2026: Spain v Belgium reaction, Kane confirms playing golf with Trump, Norway v England buildup – live
Key events
Emma Hayes says England need to be wary of Norway’s collective strength and unity rather than just focus on you know who.
The end of Belgium’s golden generation? Jeff Rueter thinks so and most would agree.
Spain boss Luis de la Fuente says he has “high expectations” for the semi-final showdown with France. So do we, Luis. Here’s Jeff Rueter with post-match quotes from De La Fuente and Belgian boss Rudi Garcia.
Here’s David Hytner’s latest report from the England camp. Thomas Tuchel has plenty of history with Erling Haaland.
Kane confirms he played golf with Trump
Ahead of England v Norway, let’s tee off with this. England captain Harry Kane has confirmed he once played golf with U.S. President Donald Trump, describing the experience as “surreal” and praising the president’s game.
Trump told reporters earlier this week that he had played golf with Kane, calling the England striker a great player and a good golfer.
Speaking on Friday on the eve of their World Cup quarter-final against Norway, Kane confirmed the round took place in Palm Beach, Florida, about 18 months ago.
“I played all right, to be honest,” Kane told reporters in Miami. “He invited me to play when I was down in Palm Beach. So yeah, when the president invites you somewhere…
“It was a pretty surreal experience just to meet him and obviously play golf with him. His golf is pretty good, to be honest,” Kane added. “I hope I can play as well as him when I’m his age. So yeah, unique experience and I was just grateful he invited me down to play.“
Trump had complimented the Bayern Munich forward on his Truth Social platform following England’s 3-2 last-16 victory over Mexico, writing: “Harry Kane of England is a GREAT player!!!“ The following day, Trump revealed the pair had played golf together.
“I think Kane is a great player,” Trump said. “I played golf with him and I like him a lot. He’s a good golfer. He’s really great.”
(Reuters)
Let’s start with Spain’s 2-1 win over Belgium. Sid Lowe was in Los Angeles as Mikel Merino popped up with another late winner.
Preamble
One of France, Spain, England, Norway, Argentina or Switzerland will win the World Cup. Did anyone predict that when this tournament started (counts on fingers but gives up) many moons ago? That seems quite exciting for the half-dozen teams left in when it’s written down like that and this time tomorrow six will have been whittled down to four. Blimey.
The action starts tonight with the much-awaited showdown between Harry Kane’s England and Erling Haaland’s Norway in Miami before holders Argentina take on Switzerland in Kansas City. Build-up to those games and reaction to last night’s victory for Spain over Belgium starts right here. It’s fair to say we’re firmly at the business end. Let’s go!
