The 2026 FIFA World Cup is one week closer, which means that another team is being put in the spotlight. Next up is England, one of the most talented teams that has qualified for the tournament, with a historic past. England has been a powerhouse in the world of soccer for decades, first appearing in the tournament in 1950 and continually being a dominant presence, finishing in the top 10 for their past two contests.
In the 2022 FIFA World Cup, England made it to the quarter-finals, where they eventually fell to France, the runner-ups of the tournament. Heading into next year’s tournament, England will have a roster loaded with talent, from Jude Bellingham to Harry Kane to Cole Palmer. With the expectations high for this team, they will hope to deliver for their country.
England won its first and only World Cup title in 1966, though the team has had close encounters to adding a second title to its resume in the past. In both 1990 and 2018, the team finished in fourth place, the closest they have come to winning. The team’s qualification marks its eight consecutive appearance in the tournament, with their last absence being in the 1994 World Cup, which was held in the United States. Now, they have the opportunity to play there depending on their placement in the tournament.
England is currently tied for the third-best odds at winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which doesn’t come as a surprise when considering the talent on the team. According to FIFA’s rankings, the team sits at number four, behind just Spain, Argentina and France.
England has recorded seven wins in 2025, with just one loss. The team has gone undefeated in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches so far, with their last match being a 5-0 victory against Latvia on Oct. 14.
One of the biggest difference makers for England in the tournament will be Cole Palmer, an attacking midfielder for Chelsea. Palmer finished eighth in Ballon d’Or voting, which honors the top player in the sport. Earlier this year, Palmer led Chelsea to a 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium. Palmer recorded two of Chelsea’s three goals, winning the Golden Ball for the tournament. The 2026 FIFA World Cup final will also be held at MetLife Stadium, where Palmer will hope to replicate his performance if the team reaches that point of the tournament.