​Has England ever won the World Cup? History of Three Lions’ all-time FIFA record and appearances originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.England are one of the most famous and storied soccer nations in the history of the sport.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMany of the biggest clubs on the planet and the most famous players of all time hail from the country, widely recognised as the birthplace of the game.However, this has not always translated into success in international competitions. In fact, it rarely has.Here’s a breakdown of England’s complicated history with the World Cup.2026 WORLD CUP HQ:Latest World Cup news | Full World Cup schedule | Buy World Cup ticketsEngland’s only World Cup triumph came when they lifted the Jules Rimet trophy as hosts in 1966Geoff Hurst became the first man in history to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final as Alf Ramsey’s side beat West Germany 4-2 after extra time at Wembley.Inglaterra final Copa do Mundo 07301966Getty ImagesAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe 2026 run marks England’s fourth semifinal appearance. The Three Lions have not reached a final since their 1966 triumph.England lost on penalties to West Germany in the 1990 semifinals, while Gareth Southgate’s resurgent side were beaten 2-1 by Croatia in extra time at Russia 2018.England did not compete at the World Cup until the 1950 World Cup, where they lost 1-0 to the United States in the group stage – a result still considered one of the biggest upsets in soccer history.World Cup YearStage ReachedRecord (W-D-L)Goals Scored1930Did not enter__1934Did not enter__1938Did not enter__1950Group stage1-0-221954Quarterfinals1-1-181958Group stage0-3-141962Quarterfinals1-1-251966Champions5-1-0111970Quarterfinals2-0-241974DNQ__1978DNQ__1982Second group stage3-2-061986Quarterfinals2-1-271990Fourth place3-3-181994DNQ__1998Round of 162-1-172002Quarterfinals2-2-162006Quarterfinals3-2-062010Round of 161-2-132014Group stage0-1-222018Fourth place3-1-3122022Quarterfinals3-1-1132026Semifinals**5-1-013*2026 tournament ongoingMORE:Jude Bellingham and Thomas Tuchel relationship: Why England star player and coach do not always see eye to eyeAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWith key figures from their deep tournament runs under Southgate still remaining, England have the calibre of players to take the final steps under Champions League-winning coach Thomas Tuchel.Captain Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have been their driving force in North America and are each among the very best players on the planet right now. The Round of 16 win over Mexico at a fervent Azteca has a strong claim of being England’s best World Cup knockout win of the past 60 years.This pedigree must be set against the quality of sides they must still face: Argentina on one last mission for their talisman Lionel Messi and Spain, who outclassed England in the final of Euro 2024.