Prince William Had Already Revealed What Would Make England’s World Cup A Success — But The First Word He Shared After Their Semifinal Heartbreak Said Everything

The Prince of Wales praised England’s “fight and belief” after the team’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Prince William, Prince of Wales smiles during a visit to the Ysgol Gymraeg Llundain (The London Welsh School) in Hanwell, West London on July 7, 2026
Prince William in July 2026.Credit : Aaron Chown / POOL / AFP via Getty

NEED TO KNOW

  • Prince William shared a heartfelt message after England’s World Cup semifinal loss to Argentina, saying he was “gutted” but proud of the team
  • England’s defeat also means the Prince of Wales will no longer travel to the United States for the World Cup final after previously saying he’d only attend if England advanced
  • Earlier this month, William praised the U.S. as a “fantastic” World Cup host and said his definition of a successful tournament for England was simple: “Winning it.”

Prince William is sharing his support for England after the team’s World Cup run came to an end.

Shortly after England’s 2-1 loss to Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal on Wednesday, July 15, the Prince of Wales shared a message on X praising the squad’s effort throughout the tournament.

“Gutted. England, you gave it everything and we are all so proud of you,” William wrote.

Players of England look dejected following the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between England and Argentina at Atlanta Stadium on July 15, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Players of England following the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match.Alex Livesey – Danehouse/Getty

He continued, “Thank you to everyone on and off the pitch, for an incredible tournament. The fight and belief you have shown has inspired us all. The most complete England team in a tournament. Hold your heads high 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿.”

After Anthony Gordon gave England a second-half lead, Argentina rallied with two late goals, ending England’s hopes of reaching the World Cup final for the first time since 1966. Lautaro Martínez scored the winner in stoppage time off a Lionel Messi assist, sending Argentina through to Sunday’s championship match against Spain in New Jersey.

With England’s loss, Prince William will no longer be making the trip to the U.S. for the World Cup final after previously saying he would only attend if England advanced.

William shared his hopes for England’s World Cup run during a surprise appearance on New Heights on July 3 with Jason Kelce and Travis Kelce.

When asked what would make the tournament a success for England, the Prince of Wales replied simply, “I think winning it.”

When Travis suggested William would make the trip across the Atlantic if England reached the final, the royal answered, “Definitely, if we’re in the finals.”

Prince William, Prince of Wales attends London Tech Week to highlight the role of data and technology in preventing
Prince William, Prince of Wales attends London Tech Week to highlight the role of data and technology in preventing homelessness at Olympia Exhibition Centre.Aaron Chown – WPA Pool/Getty