England’s World Cup Journey: Can the Three Lions End Their 60-Year Wait?

England enters the 2026 FIFA World Cup as strong contenders after a solid run to the Euro 2024 final and assembling a talented squad under Thomas Tuchel.

After an impressive win against Croatia, England showed more modest performances versus Ghana and Panama. Still, finishing top of Group L keeps their hopes alive to finally break the six-decade-long drought for a second World Cup title.

How Many Times Has England Won the World Cup?

The Three Lions have lifted the FIFA World Cup trophy once, back in 1966 when they hosted the tournament. Their legendary 4-2 victory over West Germany at Wembley, sealed in extra time, remains one of English football's defining moments.

Geoff Hurst became the hero by scoring a hat-trick, a feat unmatched in a men's World Cup final until Kylian Mbappe equaled it in 2022. That triumph still weighs heavily on every England squad that follows – inspiring yet adding pressure.

Recent years have seen England come close again, reaching the World Cup semifinals in 2018 and finishing runners-up at both Euro 2020 and Euro 2024.

England’s World Cup History Overview

Since debuting in 1950, England has been a regular presence at the World Cup, missing only three tournaments after World War II.

In the Premier League era, England has reached the knockout stages in six out of seven World Cups but often stumbled before reaching the final rounds.

*Did not enter**Did not qualify

Will England Win the 2026 World Cup?

England advanced from Group L as leaders, setting up a Round of 32 clash with DR Congo. From this stage, no slip-ups are allowed – each match is a do-or-die test.

The challenges will grow tougher, but England’s squad has the skill and experience to compete with the best remaining teams. Captain Harry Kane leads a group featuring Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, and Declan Rice, among others.

They carry belief that lifting the World Cup again is within reach. The next few matches will prove whether they can end the long wait that has defined English football since 1966.