Indiana Fever W 108:88 New York Liberty W 
Minnesota Lynx W 101:93 Portland Fire W 
Criollos de Caguas 104:80 Cangrejeros 
San German 86:100 Leones De Ponce 
Golden State Valkyries W 74:69 Washington Mystics W 
Los Angeles Lakers 88:92 Golden State Warriors 
New Orleans Pelicans 73:91 Indiana Pacers 
Gold Coast Rollers W 69:84 Mackay Meteorettes W 
Phoenix Suns 81:86 San Antonio Spurs 
Canterbury Rams 91:80 Auckland Tuatara 
Northside Wizards W 83:69 North Gold Coast Seahawks W 
Maitland Mustangs W 65:74 Bankstown Bruins W 
Gold Coast Rollers 123:87 Mackay Meteors 
Illawarra Hawks W 95:65 Penrith P. W 
Maitland M. 87:91 Bankstown Bruins 
Northside Wizards 91:85 North Gold Coast Seahawks 
Franklin Bulls 84:81 Taranaki Airs 
Illawarra Hawks 2 101:76 Penrith P. 
Slovakia U20 79:46 Armenia U20 
Belgium U20 86:77 Romania U20 
Bulgaria U20 92:89 Hungary U20 
Mexico U17 W 88:72 Ivory Coast U17 W 
TNT Tropang 5G 106:103 Macau Black Bears 
Slovenia U17 W 45:54 Japan U17 W 
Turkey U20 56:73 Greece U20 
Estonia U20 88:77 Kosovo U20 
Poland U20 100:83 Latvia U20 
North Macedonia U20 91:81 Bosnia & Herzegovina U20 
Latvia U17 W 60:46 Colombia U17 W 
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel 78:81 Phoenix Fuelmasters 
England just wrapped up their best men’s World Cup performance since winning it all back in 1966. They finished third in the 2026 tournament, which is a huge deal. But some people are wondering if this achievement is getting the credit it deserves.
After decades of near misses and heartbreaks, the team finally brought home a medal. Yet the buzz around their third-place finish seems quieter than expected. Let’s break down why this run might be more impressive than it looks.
Why the Third-Place Finish Is Being Overlooked
Several factors could explain why England’s bronze medal isn’t getting more attention.
- Modern sports fans often focus on the winner. Anything less than gold can feel like a letdown, especially for a team that came close in previous tournaments.
- The semifinal loss was painful. England lost a tight match to the eventual champions, and that sting may have overshadowed the consolation game.
- Expectations were sky-high. With a talented squad, many predicted a final appearance. Third place, while excellent, felt like a step short.
But looking at the bigger picture, finishing third in a World Cup is a massive achievement. Only three teams out of 32 get a medal, and England earned theirs.
What This Means for English Football’s Future
This result isn’t just a one-time success. It shows that the team is building a strong foundation. Young players gained invaluable experience, and the squad proved they can compete with the world’s best.
The third-place finish also sets a new benchmark. For the first time in generations, the team has a tangible result to build on. Coaches and players can use this momentum for the next World Cup cycle.
Time to Give Credit Where It’s Due
Critics might argue that third place is just a consolation prize. But consider the competition: Brazil, Germany, Argentina, and other powerhouses all went home empty-handed. England stood tall among the elite.
This team deserves recognition for their grit, skill, and determination. They brought pride to the nation and gave fans a reason to cheer. Let’s not let this historic achievement fade into the background. It’s time to appreciate what England accomplished in 2026.