20th July 2026
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially come to an end!
Hosted across the USA, Canada and Mexico, this year’s tournament was the biggest World Cup ever, with 48 teams competing across 104 matches and 16 host cities.
From dramatic late goals and penalty shoot-outs to unforgettable performances, there was plenty to keep football fans on the edge of their seats.
For England fans, there was plenty to celebrate. The Three Lions, managed by Thomas Tuchel, enjoyed an impressive tournament.
England topped their group after wins over Croatia and Panama and a draw against Ghana, before progressing through a tricky knockout stage.
They defeated DR Congo 2–1, followed by a thrilling 3–2 victory over Mexico in the Round of 16. A 2–1 win against Norway then booked England a place in the semi-finals.
Unfortunately, England's journey to the final came to an end against Argentina, who won their semi-final 2–1.
But there was still one more match to play – and England certainly went out with a bang!
England beat France 6–4 in an extraordinary third-place play-off in Miami, securing their best World Cup finish since winning the tournament in 1966.
It was also England's best-ever finish at a World Cup held outside England.
The final was played at the New York/New Jersey Stadium on 19 July, where Spain defeated Argentina 1–0 to become world champions.
Argentina had entered the tournament as defending champions following their famous victory over France in Qatar in 2022, but Spain ultimately claimed the trophy in a dramatic finale.
With a record 48 nations, 104 matches and games played across three countries, the 2026 World Cup will go down as one of the most ambitious tournaments in football history.
For England, a third-place finish may not have been the ending fans dreamed of, but after reaching the semi-finals and then producing a remarkable 6–4 victory over France, there is certainly plenty to be proud of.
And now the countdown begins for the next World Cup… bring on 2030!