The 2026 FIFA World Cup opened Thursday in Mexico City, where the host nation, Mexico, defeated South Africa 2-0 in front of a rowdy crowd at Estadio Azteca.

But while Mexico and South Africa were battling it out on the pitch, another story quickly took over for one of the tournament favorites, England.

When highlighting 13 stats to prove Team USA could actually win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ESPN's Ryan O'Hanlon dropped one subtle reminder of what stands in England's way: The Three Lions have never won an international tournament outside of England.

Steven Gerrard. Wayne Rooney. David Beckham. Harry Kane.

Not one of these icons has done it.

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England's only-ever World Cup trophy came in 1966, when they beat West Germany 4-2 in the final. But they were the host country, with the final match taking place at the iconic Wembley Stadium.

The fact that the Three Lions haven't won a World Cup in 60 years is surprising enough. But the idea that they haven't won any other major international tournaments that weren't also hosted in England is equally shocking, and concerning.

Their most recent loss came at Euro 2020, where they fell to Italy on penalties, at Wembley, on home soil again.

And at Euro 2024, England may got its first appearance at a tournament final on foreign soil, only to lose that one too, with Spain defeating them 2-1 at Olympiastadion in Berlin.

England is the country that invented soccer. The irony of being unable to win it outside their own backyard is the story that never dies.

As all eyes turn to the 2026 World Cup in North America, with England playing all of their group matches on American soil, the stat has surfaced again.

England opens their tournament on Wednesday, June 17, against Croatia at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, before battling Ghana on June 23 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, and then Panama on June 27 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

And while they may be one of the favorites with one of the most talented rosters in soccer, England again is operating well outside of their comfort zone, something that has yet to result in a win.

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Source: Newsweek