Jude Bellingham engraved his name in the FIFA World Cup the record books after scoring the fastest third in the tournament’s history during England’s dramatic 3-2 round of 16 victory over co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca. The England midfielder struck twice in the space of just 98 seconds, joining an exclusive list led only by Germany’s Toni Kroos and France’s Kylian Mbappé. His quickfire double not only transformed the knockout contest but also helped England reach the quarter-finals after surviving a late Mexican comeback.
Bellingham joins Kroos and Mbappé in World Cup history
The 23-year-old produced his decisive burst midway through the first half as England capitalized on a brief spell of dominance in one of world football’s most intimidating stadiums.Bellingham opened the scoring in the 36th minute when Bukayo Saka broke down the right flank and delivered an accurate cross into the penalty area. Timing his run perfectly, the midfielder rose between the defenders to head home from close range and give England a deserved lead.Mexico had barely recovered before England struck again.Just 98 seconds after their opener, Bellingham completed their brace. England gained possession high up the pitch before launching another quick attack through Saka, whose dangerous second delivery found Bellingham arriving in the six-yard box. The Real Madrid star calmly converted from close range to double England’s lead and wow the home crowd at the Azteca.The performance also has major historical significance as Jude Bellingham became England’s third top scorer in FIFA World Cup history with his two strikes against Mexico. He now has five World Cup goals to his name, moving level with Sir Geoff Hurst’s long-standing tournament tally. The two goals were separated by just one minute and 38 seconds, making Bellingham’s strike the third-fastest ever recorded in a FIFA World Cup.Only two players have scored a faster World Cup double. Toni Kroos tops the list after scoring twice in one minute and 10 seconds during Germany’s historic 7-1 win over Brazil in the 2014 semi-finals, while Kylian Mbappé takes second place after scoring twice in one minute and 35 seconds during France’s round of 16 win at the 2022 World Cup.
Historic night at the Estadio Azteca
His two goals also made him the first player to score a World Cup trophy at the Estadio Azteca since Diego Maradona achieved the feat for Argentina against Belgium in the semi-final in 1986. Crucially, the stadium would not host another FIFA World Cup tournament for the next four decades, meaning no World Cup goal, let alone a breakthrough, had been scored there since the Maradona’s performance until Bellingham broke that streak.
England’s Jude Bellingham (10) celebrates with his teammates after scoring his second goal during the World Cup Round of 16 soccer match between Mexico and England in Mexico City, Sunday, July 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)
His opener was equally significant for the hosts, becoming the first goal Mexico had conceded during the 2026 World Cup after keeping four consecutive clean sheets in the group stage and in the Round of 32.
Brace proves decisive as England progress
Although England established a two-goal lead, Mexico ensured the contest was alive throughout.Julián Quiñones pulled one back before half-time, Harry Kane restored England’s two-goal lead from the penalty spot after the break, and Raúl Jiménez converted an own penalty after a VAR review to reduce the deficit to 3-2.England then played the final leg with 10 men after Jarell Quansah was sent off following a VAR review, forcing Thomas Tuchel’s side to withstand relentless late pressure before securing their place in the quarter-finals.While Kane added another important goal and Jordan Pickford produced key saves during the closing minutes, the defining spell of the evening came during Bellingham’s remarkable 98-second burst. It was a sequence that not only changed the game, but also secured the English midfielder a permanent place among the fastest goalscorers in FIFA World Cup history. England then progress to the quarter-finals in Miami, where they will face Norway at the Hard Rock Stadium.
