Preparations have begun for a potential parade in London should England win the World Cup. The Three Lions are into the semi-finals of this summer's tournament, facing rivals Argentina on Wednesday evening in Atlanta.
Path to the Final
Should they defeat the defending champions, Thomas Tuchel's side would face Spain - who beat them in the Euro 2024 final - in New Jersey on Sunday. If England progress it would be their first men's World Cup final appearance since 1966, when Sir Geoff Hurst famously struck a hat-trick at the old Wembley Stadium as they defeated West Germany 4-2 to clinch their maiden global title.
England's men have not won a major international tournament since then as they look to end 60 years of hurt in North America this week. They have come close twice in recent times, reaching the final of the European Championship in both 2021 and 2024, losing out to Italy and Spain under former manager Sir Gareth Southgate.
Government Planning
Now, the government has begun initial planning for a parade in London - should England's World Cup dreams finally become a reality. Any parade is thought to be earmarked for Tuesday, July 21, although it is uncertain at this stage what route it would take. Westminster Council, City Hall, the Department of Sport and the Football Association (FA) are all involved with the planning, with more preparation to be done should England defeat Argentina on Wednesday.
The Metropolitan Police have also begun planning, with a parade if England were to win the World Cup expected to draw the largest crowd for a sporting celebration that Britain has ever seen.
Previous Celebrations
The Lionesses have twice paraded through London after winning the Women's European Championship in both 2022 and 2025. Sarina Wiegman's side retained their European crown in Switzerland last year, defeating Spain on penalties in the final following a 1-1 draw. In August 2022, the Lionesses and fans came together in Trafalgar Square to celebrate England's first major tournament victory since 1966, achieved against Germany in extra time on home soil at Wembley. In 2025, there was an open-top bus parade down The Mall, before a ceremony at the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace.
