Has Any Country Won Both the FIFA World Cup and the ICC Cricket World Cup?

Italy has recently made history in cricket as, for the first time ever, they have qualified for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Italy will now join and compete against the world’s top cricket-playing nations on the biggest T20 stage in India and Sri Lanka next year. This is a proud moment for the Italy national cricket team.

Italy is a country known around the world for football. They have won the FIFA World Cup four times, and now, they are starting to make a name in cricket too. Italy’s qualification came after a dramatic final day in the European Qualifier. Four teams were in the race, and in the end, it was Italy and the Netherlands who made it through.

Italy Qualified for T20 World Cup 2026

Italy played the Netherlands in their final game. They put 134 runs on the board by the end of 20 overs. It was not a huge total, but it was enough.
For Italy, Ben Manenti played a calm knock. He held the innings together. Then Grant Stewart added some quick runs in the end. Those runs made the difference.

Even though Italy lost the match, they qualified considering their high net run rate. Under the captaincy of Joe Burns, Italy made it to the T20 World Cup 2026. This incredible moment brings us to a fascinating question. Italy qualified for T20 World Cup 2026 despite losing the match to the Netherlands, as Jersey defeated Scotland in the other match.

Has Any Country won Football World Cup and Cricket World Cup?

So, now the question arises, 'Has Any Country Won Both Football World Cup and Cricket World Cup?' The answer is yes. But there is only one country that has done it so far, and it is England. England won the FIFA World Cup in 1966. That final was held in London, and the hosts beat West Germany to lift the trophy.

Later, in 2019, England won the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup as well. It was one of the most exciting finals in cricket history as the match, followed by the Super Over, ended in a tie. However, the hosts, England, won the title based on a boundary count rule. With this victory, England became the first and only country so far to win both the FIFA and Cricket World Cups. It is indeed a rare and special achievement.

Football and cricket are both global sports. But they are very different. They have different rules, cultures, and histories. However, England remains one of the rare countries to have good teams in both sports. It has enabled them to do well in both football and cricket on a consistent basis.

Let’s talk about Brazil. They are the kings of football, having won the FIFA World Cup five times. But in cricket, they are almost unknown. Now think of Australia. They are a cricket superpower. Six Cricket World Cup trophies speak for themselves. But in football, Australia has never come close to winning a FIFA title, although they have featured regularly in the FIFA World Cups.

Can Italy repeat England's heroics?

Winning both requires something rare. It needs talent, training, money, and love for many sports. It is a sign of a country’s rich sporting culture. That is why England’s double success is so unique. Now that Italy is on the cricket world stage, people may wonder if they can do it too one day?

However, it won't be easy for the Italy national cricket team. Moreover, it takes several years to build a world-class team that can win a World Cup. But Italy has taken the first step towards that part. Italy T20 World Cup qualification shows that with effort and belief, anything is possible. As Italy prepares for the T20 World Cup in 2026, a new journey begins for them. Their football team has already reached glory. Can the cricket team follow? Only time will tell. But for now, their dream is alive.