England & the World Cup
Has England Ever Won the World Cup?
Yes — but only once. England won the FIFA World Cup in 1966, beating West Germany 4–2 after extra time at Wembley. It remains England's only World Cup title, and the only major men's tournament they have won.
The 1966 final
Playing on home soil, England beat West Germany 4–2 after extra time in front of a packed Wembley. Geoff Hurst scored a hat-trick — still the only hat-trick ever scored in a men's World Cup final — including the famous, hotly debated goal that bounced down off the crossbar. Captain Bobby Moore lifted the Jules Rimet trophy under manager Alf Ramsey.
Why only once?
Despite producing world-class players in every generation, England have not reached another final since. Near misses, penalty heartbreak, and strong opposition have defined the decades that followed. The 1966 side remains the benchmark every England team is measured against.
England's best World Cup finishes since 1966
| Year | Finish | Knocked out by |
|---|---|---|
| 1966 | Champions | — |
| 1990 | Semi-final (4th) | West Germany (penalties) |
| 2018 | Semi-final (4th) | Croatia |
| 2022 | Quarter-final | France |
Did England win the Euros?
No. England reached the final of the European Championship in 2021 (Euro 2020) but lost to Italy on penalties, and again in 2024. So England's 1966 World Cup remains their sole major men's trophy — a big reason the question comes up so often.
How well do you know England's tournament history?
From 1966 to Qatar 2022, England's World Cup story is full of trivia that trips fans up. Test yourself with our free World Cup Fan Challenge and see how your knowledge ranks against other fans.
Quick Answers
Has England ever won the World Cup?
Yes, once — in 1966.
Who did England beat in the 1966 final?
West Germany, 4–2 after extra time at Wembley.
Who scored a hat-trick in the 1966 final?
Geoff Hurst — the only hat-trick in a men's World Cup final.