England is one win away from reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final, but history shows that the semifinal stage has often been a difficult hurdle for the Three Lions. Heading into their blockbuster semifinal against Argentina, England has appeared in the FIFA World Cup semifinals three times, winning once and losing twice.
Here is a look at England’s World Cup semifinal history.
England’s FIFA World Cup Semifinal Record
England has played in three World Cup semifinals before the 2026 tournament.
- Semifinals Played: 3
- Semifinal Wins: 1
- Semifinal Losses: 2
1966 FIFA World Cup
England 2-1 Portugal
England’s first World Cup semifinal came on home soil in 1966. Goals from Bobby Charlton lifted the Three Lions past Portugal, earning a place in the final. England would go on to defeat West Germany 4-2 after extra time at Wembley Stadium to capture their only FIFA World Cup title.
1990 FIFA World Cup
England 1-1 West Germany (Lost 4-3 on Penalties)
England returned to the semifinals 24 years later in Italy. After a tightly contested 1-1 draw, the match was decided by a penalty shootout, where West Germany advanced 4-3. England eventually finished fourth after losing the third-place match.
2018 FIFA World Cup
England 1-2 Croatia (After Extra Time)
England reached the semifinals again in Russia after an impressive tournament run. Kieran Trippier gave England an early lead, but Croatia responded with goals from Ivan Perišić and Mario Mandžukić in extra time to eliminate Gareth Southgate’s side.
England’s World Cup Semifinal Results
| Year | Opponent | Result | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1966 | Portugal | Won 2-1 | Advanced to Final |
| 1990 | West Germany | Drew 1-1 (Lost 4-3 on penalties) | Eliminated |
| 2018 | Croatia | Lost 2-1 (After Extra Time) | Eliminated |
Can England Improve Their Semifinal Record in 2026?
England enters the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal against Argentina with the opportunity to even its all-time semifinal record. A victory would give the Three Lions their second World Cup semifinal win and send them to their first World Cup final since lifting the trophy in 1966.
With one of the tournament’s deepest squads featuring established stars and emerging talent, England hopes to rewrite history and move one step closer to winning a second FIFA World Cup championship.
England World Cup Semifinal FAQ
How many World Cup semifinals has England won?
England has won one FIFA World Cup semifinal, defeating Portugal 2-1 in 1966.
How many World Cup semifinals has England lost?
England has lost two World Cup semifinals—against West Germany in 1990 and Croatia in 2018.
When was England’s last World Cup final?
England last reached the FIFA World Cup Final in 1966, where they defeated West Germany 4-2 after extra time to win their only World Cup title.
Who does England play in the 2026 World Cup semifinal?
England faces Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal, with the winner advancing to the World Cup Final.