In a bittersweet turn of events, Prince William finds himself “gutted” over England’s dramatic exit from the World Cup this past Wednesday, July 15, 2026.
Prince William deeply disappointed for England
The Prince of Wales, renowned for his role as the patron of the Football Association (FA) and his fervent passion for the game, lauded the team’s commendable “fight and belief.” Despite England’s heart-wrenching 2-1 loss to Argentina in the semi-finals, he took pride in the squad’s remarkable performance.
He posted on X shortly after the final whistle: “Gutted. England, you gave it everything and we are all so proud of you.
“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. W (sic)”
William had previously voiced his intention to fly out to America if England had made it to the final at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
During his appearance on the New Heights podcast, which was recorded a few days after England's first game against Croatia but only released a few weeks later, William was asked by co-host Jason Kelce: "What in your mind is a successful World Cup for England?"
He replied: "I think winning it."
And asked if he will "cross the pond" if England get to the final, he added to Jason and his brother Travis Kelce: "Definitely. If we're in the final."
This year's tournament is co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico and William has been enjoying all the action so far.
Asked how he thought the US was doing as a co-host, he said: "It's fantastic. I think it's been a brilliant World Cup. It's been really well started and I think the tournament's been well balanced."
While the prince is a devoted fan of Aston Villa, he "absolutely" did not inherit his passion from his father, because he revealed King Charles "hates" the sport.
Asked by Travis if the king led to his Aston Villa fandom, William replied: "Absolutely not. My father hates football."
The Kansas City Chiefs tight end interjected: "Oh no."
William continued: "My family haven't got a particularly long history with football.
"There are a few of us who support teams. My football love came from friends taking me to my first match and at school growing up. You can't. You can't avoid the football chat. It's everywhere.
"Yeah. And some school friends or childhood friends of mine took me to my first game."