Prince Harry has candidly shared his disappointment, joining millions of England fans disheartened by the national team’s exit from the World Cup. He expressed these sentiments while gracing the red carpet at the TIME100 Sports Gala in New York City last night.
The Duke of Sussex acknowledged his sorrow over the Three Lions’ defeat at the hands of Argentina. He mingled with fellow sports luminaries like LeBron James, Lindsey Vonn, Jalen Brunson, and Folarin Balogun at this star-studded New York gathering.
On arriving at the event, Prince Harry—attending solo without Meghan Markle—was queried about his feelings on England’s loss in the World Cup semi-finals held in Atlanta.
Harry’s presence in New York came on the heels of his recognition as one of the 100 Most Influential People in Sports for 2026, celebrated in the ‘leaders’ section.
This defeat followed a heartbreaking turn of events where England squandered their 1-0 advantage against long-standing rivals Argentina during the semifinal showdown in Atlanta on Wednesday.
The Three Lions were beaten 2-1 after Lionel Messi inspired a dramatic late comeback for the defending champions.
Prince Harry walked the red carpet at the TIME100 Sports Gala in New York City on Thursday
Harry is pictured alongside US soccer star Folarin Balogun during the event in New York
The Duke also spoke with Eric Kelliher, from TIME, and fellow guest of honour Lindsey Vonn
Harry with former NBA star Masai Ujiri
The Duke of Sussex said he was ‘sad’ after England’s World Cup heartbreak against Argentina
Harry’s older brother, Prince William, previously posted on social media that he was ‘gutted’ after Thomas Tuchel’s team fell short of a first World Cup final in six decades.
‘England, you gave it everything and we are all so proud of you,’ he wrote. ‘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,’ he continued. ‘Hold your heads high.’
During the second half of a tense World Cup showdown in Atlanta, Anthony Gordon put England 1-0 ahead after 55 minutes.
Tuchel’s side held that advantage until five minutes from time before Enzo Fernandez netted a long-range equalizer.
Then, in injury time, Lautaro Martinez headed home to secure Argentina’s place in Sunday’s final against Spain in New York.
Twenty four hours on, Harry was pictured hanging out with sports stars such as Brunson – who recently led the New York Knicks to the NBA championship – and US soccer star Folarin Balogun.
Earlier this month, Harry headed back to the UK for a five-day solo visit. He was not joined by Meghan or their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet due to ongoing security concerns.
The Duke of Sussex was joined at the gala by New York Knicks superstar Jalen Brunson
Harry shares a laugh with US Olympic skating stars Alysa Liu and Madison Chock in New York
Jessica Sibley, CEO, TIME and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, at the inaugural TIME100 Sports List Celebration
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Harry was honored by TIME for his work with the Invictus Games, the international sporting event for wounded, injured or sick servicemen and women.
‘Sport held me together,’ he told TIME. ‘I was one of those kids at school who did not enjoy classroom work.
‘If it wasn’t for the sports field, and the amount of sports that were on offer, there’s no way I would have stayed in school.’
Next summer’s Invictus Games will be held in Birmingham, UK, and will feature 550 competitors from around 25 countries.