Harry Kane “Loses” His Voice Celebrating England’s Thrilling World Cup Victory Over Mexico
Harry Kane couldn't speak after England's dramatic World Cup win over Mexico, revealing the emotional toll of a thrilling 3-2 Round of 16 clash.
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Harry Kane (Image: Reuters)
Harry Kane could barely speak after England’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on July 5, with the captain revealing he had lost his voice following one of the tournament’s most intense matches.
The England striker joked about his condition as soon as he began speaking after helping his side reach the quarterfinals. “My voice is gone,” Kane said with a laugh when he answered the first question, as his voice cracked after saying Jude Bellingham’s name.
Kane scored the winning goal from the penalty spot in the 60th minute, his sixth of the tournament, as England survived a relentless second half to eliminate Mexico at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
The match tested England throughout. The Three Lions had to withstand heavy pressure in one of world football’s most intimidating venues while also adjusting to Mexico City’s altitude of approximately 7,220 feet above sea level.
Despite the difficult conditions, England held on to secure a place in the quarterfinals, where it will face Norway. Kane said the occasion demanded everything from the squad and even left him without a voice after celebrating with teammates.
“It was a crazy game. We had to fight,” Kane said as his voice cracked again, bringing him another laugh. “We had to find something. I was just singing over there. I can’t really talk. But all the occasion, the team and everything against us, we found a way.”
Jude Bellingham also played a key role in the victory, scoring twice in the space of three minutes late in the first half to put England in control before halftime. Kane’s second-half penalty ultimately proved to be the match-winner as England advanced to the final eight.
When asked whether he had a message for England supporters ahead of the quarterfinal, Kane pointed to the fans who had traveled to Mexico City. “Well, just look at them here. Incredible, unbelievable support,” Kane said. “Speechless, I can’t even talk.”
Kane also questioned one of the officiating decisions during the match after VAR awarded Mexico a penalty for his challenge on Brian Gutiérrez. “I thought I got to the ball first,” Kane said. “It was one of those days where the ref gave a lot against us. In the end, it didn’t matter. So, yeah, I’m happy.”
Jarell Quansah’s Red Card ban sparks debate ahead of England’s quarterfinal match
While England celebrated reaching the quarterfinals, attention quickly shifted to defender Jarell Quansah, who is currently set to miss Saturday’s match against Norway after receiving a straight red card against Mexico.
Quansah was sent off in the 54th minute after referee Alireza Faghani reviewed the incident on the pitch-side monitor. Replays showed the England defender sliding over the top of the ball and making studs-first contact with Mexico’s Jesus Gallardo, resulting in a dismissal for violent conduct.
The red card carries an automatic one-match suspension under FIFA regulations. However, Quansah’s ban has become the subject of debate because United States forward Folarin Balogun recently had his one-match suspension suspended, allowing him to play in his country’s Round of 16 match despite his red card remaining on record.
Under the current VAR system, national football associations generally cannot appeal a red card decision that has been reviewed by video officials. However, Article 27 of FIFA’s disciplinary code allows the governing body’s judicial panel to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary sanction.
FIFA used that provision in Balogun’s case by suspending his one-match ban for one year without overturning the dismissal itself. The decision drew further attention after reports claimed United States President Donald Trump contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino before Balogun’s suspension was announced. FIFA has not publicly stated that political intervention influenced its decision.
Because Balogun remained eligible despite his red card, fans and pundits have questioned whether England could seek similar treatment for Quansah before the quarterfinal against Norway.
Former England captain Wayne Rooney said after the match that FIFA’s handling of the Balogun case had established a precedent, while also criticizing the governing body’s earlier decision to suspend the United States forward’s punishment.
As of Monday, Quansah remains suspended for England’s quarterfinal against Norway, and FIFA has not announced any change to his one match ban.
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