Alas, it’s the end of the road for a valiant Team England’s 2026 FIFA World Cup journey.
The English national football team lost their semi-final match to Argentina, who will now face off against Spain on July 19 at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium. Argentina will be looking to retain their title after winning the 2022 tournament.
If England were to have won, this would’ve been an opportunity to make history. Not only would it have been the team’s first time in the final since 1966, if they were to emerge ultimately victorious, it would also be only their second ever win since that fateful match on home soil, exactly 60 years later.
And of course, the team’s biggest and most noteworthy fan, Prince William, marked their loss against reigning champions Argentina in the semi-finals with a passionate message.
The Prince of Wales took to his social media page with: “Gutted. England, you gave it everything and we are all so proud of you. Thank you to everyone on and off the pitch, for an incredible tournament. The fight and belief you have shown has inspired us all. The most complete England team in a tournament. Hold your heads high.”
Argentina defeated England 2-1. The Harry Kane-led team was the first to score a goal 55 minutes into the game. However, Argentina came back strong in the final minutes, thanks to goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez, all with assists from Lionel Messi.
© InstagramBefore the finals, though, England will face off on July 18 against France, who lost their semi-final to Spain on July 14 with a score of 0-2, starting at 5 PM EST.
William is one of the team’s most ardent fans, often sharing messages congratulating the team after their wins or commiserating with them after a loss. Following their hotly contested face-off against crowd favorites Norway in the quarter finals, William tweeted: “Well done England!”
“Top performance in a tough environment. This is a special team. Commiserations to a proud Norway team. Onto the semi final… Never in doubt!”
© Getty ImagesWhile they’re not in the finals, there’s still the distinct possibility that Team England AND Team Royal fans alike will get to see the Prince of Wales in the stands cheering on the likes of Harry, Jude Bellingham and more as they face off against France on Saturday.
While appearing as a special guest on brothers Travis and Jason Kelce’s podcast New Heights earlier in July, the royal did say that if his home team were to make the World Cup final, he’d be hopping on the next flight there, although no word on the third place match.
“See you both there for the final,” the Prince told Jason and Travis. When Jason pointed out Travis might be in NFL training camp, quipping: “We’ll sneak you out for a night,” William joked: “Tell me who I need to write to, Travis. We’ll get you out of there.”
© Getty ImagesPrince William has been very vocal about his faith in the current England team. When speaking to the squad and management team, he’d previously said: “It’s not going to be an easy tournament as you well know. It’s going to be one of the hardest World Cups there’s probably been in the modern era, but I have no doubt you’ll rise to the occasion.”
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