England's record in FIFA World Cup third-place match: Wins, losses and complete history

England have won one of their three appearances in a FIFA World Cup third-place game.

One of the few nations to have won the FIFA World Cup title, England’s last triumph came in 1966. Since then, they have reached the knockout round of the tournament numerous times; however, they have fallen short before reaching the final.

Interestingly, the Three Lions have only appeared in one FIFA World Cup final, which they won 4-2 against West Germany. Geoff Hurst scored the hat-trick in the final clash, helping the English side win their maiden title.

At the 2026 FIFA World Cup, they looked strong under Thomas Tuchel. However, after their semifinal defeat to Argentina, the Three Lions are out of contention to reach the tournament final for four more years.

Meanwhile, over the past six decades, they have reached the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup four times, losing three. With the defeats, they have been a part of the third-place game on two occasions (excluding the ongoing campaign).

Also Read: List of players who have won multiple FIFA World Cup trophies

England’s record in World Cup third-place game

• Appearances: 3
• Wins: 1
• Defeats: 2

1. 1990: England 1-2 Italy

After suffering a disappointing defeat to West Germany on penalties in the semifinal, the Three Lions faced the host nation, Italy, in the third-place playoff. Italian football icon Roberto Baggio broke the deadlock before David Platt equalised with a stellar header. However, Salvatore Schillaci’s late penalty secured the win for Gli Azzurri.

2. 2018: England 0-2 Belgium

England faced Belgium for the second time in the tournament, having lost to Croatia in the semifinals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Thomas Meunier gave the Red Devils an early lead in the 4th minute before Eden Hazard doubled Belgium’s lead in the second half.

3. 2026: France 4-6 England

The Three Lions took on Les Bleus in the third-place playoffs of the 2026 edition and secured a 6-4 win in a chaotic ten-goal thriller in Miami. Declan Rice and Ezri Konsa scored early, and a brace from Bukayo Saka put them four goals ahead at half-time. Kylian Mbappe scored twice and set up another to threaten a comeback, but Saka’s hat-trick goal and Jude Bellingham’s late strike sealed a dramatic win for England.

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