Prince Harry was quizzed on England’s World Cup heartbreak as he walked the red carpet for the TIME100 Sports Gala in New York City on Thursday night.
The Duke of Sussex joined the likes of LeBron James, Lindsey Vonn, Jalen Brunson and other sporting royalty for the glitzy event in New York.
After arriving at the gala, Harry – who was without his wife Meghan Markle – was asked if he was sad after England lost to Argentina in the World Cup semifinals.
‘Of course!’ the 41-year-old told Page Six. He was in New York after being named among the 100 Most Influential People in Sports 2026. He was recognized in the ‘Leaders’ category.
England threw away a 1-0 lead in the dying moments of Wednesday’s semifinal against bitter rivals Argentina in Atlanta.
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
The Duke of Sussex said he was ‘sad’ after England’s World Cup heartbreak against Argentina
Harry is pictured alongside US soccer star Folarin Balogun during the event in New York
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
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.
