England fans found a uniquely American way to celebrate a distinctly English World Cup moment after the 4-2 win over Croatia.
The victory gave Thomas Tuchel’s side exactly the start they wanted in Group L, but it was a banner in the crowd that caught the most attention.
It brought together Donald Trump, Bobby Moore, and 1966 in a single image. It was not subtle, and it was not meant to be.
England fans hold up Donald Trump banner after Croatia win
The banner reworked one of the most famous photos in English soccer history, but with a twist. Instead of Bobby Moore being lifted by his teammates with the Jules Rimet Trophy in 1966, the image showed Donald Trump in that spot, holding the trophy above the players.
Above, the words read: “Make England great again.”
The joke worked because both references were instantly recognizable. England’s 1966 win is still the country’s only World Cup triumph, and the slogan was a clear play on Trump’s “Make America Great Again” campaign line.
It also fit the backdrop of the 2026 tournament, with England playing in the United States and fans using American political imagery to celebrate a win rooted in England’s own World Cup history.
England’s 4-2 win over Croatia had echoes of 1966
The banner spread quickly, but the result behind it gave England fans real reason to celebrate after a frantic and important opener.
England beat Croatia 4-2 in Dallas, with the match level at 2-2 by halftime. Harry Kane scored twice, including a penalty, while Martin Baturina and Petar Musa replied for Croatia before the break.
Tuchel’s side took control again early in the second half. Jude Bellingham put England back in front, and Marcus Rashford’s late goal sealed the win, turning a nervy opener into a strong statement.
There was also a nod to history in the scoreline. It was England’s first 4-2 win in a World Cup match since the 1966 final against West Germany, making the Bobby Moore-inspired banner feel even more pointed.
England still have a long way to go before any real comparisons to 1966 can be made. But after a high-scoring win to open their campaign, fans had more than enough reason to turn a result into a banner moment.
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