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Jude Bellingham carved his name into the FIFA World Cup record books after scoring the third fastest in the tournament’s history during England’s dramatic 3-2 Round of 16 win over co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca. The England midfielder scored twice in the space of just 98 seconds, joining an exclusive list topped only by Germany’s Toni Kroos and France’s Kylian Mbappé. His quick-fire double not only transformed the knockout competition but also helped England reach the quarter-finals after surviving a late Mexican charge.
Bellingham joined Kroos and Mbappé in World Cup history
The 23-year-old made his decisive breakthrough 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 through the right flank and fired a shot into the penalty area. Timing his run perfectly, the midfielder weaved his way between defenders and scored from close range to give England a deserved lead.Mexico barely got going again before England attacked again.Just 98 seconds after the opener, Bellingham completed its brace. England won possession high up the pitch before launching another quick attack through Saka, whose second dangerous delivery once again found Bellingham coming inside the box. The Real Madrid star calmly converted from close range to double England’s lead and stun the home crowd at the Azteca.The performance was also of great historical significance, as Jude Bellingham became England’s joint third-highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history with his two goals against Mexico. He now has five World Cup goals, level with Sir Geoff Hurst for the tournament. The two goals were separated by just one minute and 38 seconds, making Bellingham’s goal the third-fastest ever in World Cup football.Only two players have scored a faster World Cup double. Toni Kroos tops the list after scoring twice in 1 minute 10 seconds during Germany’s historic 7-1 win over Brazil in the 2014 semi-finals, while Kylian Mbappé is second after scoring twice in 1 minute 35 seconds during France’s round of 16 win against Argentina at the 2022 World Cup.
A historic night at the Estadio Azteca
His two goals also made him the first player to score a World Cup brace at the Estadio Azteca since Diego Maradona achieved the feat for Argentina against Belgium in the 1986 semi-final. Crucially, the stadium did not host another FIFA World Cup tournament in the four decades that followed, meaning no World Cup goal, let alone a goal, had been scored since Maradona’s performance until Bellingham ended that streak.
England’s Jude Bellingham (10) celebrates with teammates after scoring his second goal during the World Cup round of 16 match between Mexico and England in Mexico City, Sunday, July 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)
His first goal was just as significant for the hosts, becoming the first goal Mexico have conceded during the 2026 World Cup after keeping four straight clean sheets through the group stage and round of 16.
Brace proved decisive as England progressed
Although England established a two-goal lead, Mexico ensured the contest continued.Julián Quiñones pulled one back before half-time, Harry Kane restored England’s two-goal advantage from the penalty spot after the break and Raúl Jiménez converted a penalty after VAR review to reduce the deficit to 3-2.England then played the closing stages 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 made key saves in the closing minutes, the defining spell of the night came during Bellingham’s outstanding 98-second attack. It was a run that not only changed the game, but secured the England midfielder a permanent place among the fastest goalscorers in FIFA World Cup history. Next up, England head to the quarter-finals in Miami, where they will face Norway at the Hard Rock Stadium.
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