Jude Bellingham engraved his name on it FIFA World Cup record book after scoring the third-fastest brace in tournament 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 just 98 seconds, joining an exclusive list led only by Germany’s Toni Kroos and France’s Kylian Mbappé. His quickfire double not only changed the knockout contest but also helped England reach the quarter-finals after surviving a late fight in Mexico.
Bellingham joins Kroos and Mbappé in World Cup history
The 23-year-old produced his decisive burst midway through the first half as England enjoyed a brief spell of dominance inside one of the most intimidating stadiums in world football.Bellingham opened the scoring in the 36th minute when Bukayo Saka broke down the right side and delivered an accurate cross into the penalty area. Timed his run perfectly, the midfielder rose between the defenders to head home from close range and give England a deserved lead.Mexico were about to restart before England struck again.Just 98 seconds after his opener, Bellingham completed his brace. England won possession high up the pitch before launching another swift attack through Saka, whose second dangerous delivery once again found Bellingham arriving inside the six-yard box. The Real Madrid star calmly converted from close range to double England’s advantage and shock the Azteca home crowd.The performance also carried great historical significance, as Jude Bellingham became England’s joint third highest goalscorer 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 brace 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-final, while Kylian Mbappé occupies second place after scoring twice in one minute and 35 seconds during France’s Round of 16 win over Argentina 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 brace at the Estadio Azteca since Diego Maradona achieved the feat for Argentina against Belgium in the 1986 semi-final. Importantly, the stadium did not host another FIFA World Cup tournament for the next four decades, meaning no World Cup goals, let alone a brace, were scored there since 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 important for the hosts, who became Mexico’s first goal at the 2026 World Cup after keeping four consecutive clean sheets in the group stage and Round of 32.
Brace proved decisive as England progressed
Although England built a commanding two-goal lead, Mexico ensured the contest remained alive throughout.Julián Quiñones pulled one back before halftime, Harry Kane restored England’s two-goal cushion from the penalty spot after the interval, and Raúl Jiménez converted his own penalty after a 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 pressure before securing their place in the quarter-finals.While Kane added another crucial goal and Jordan Pickford made key saves during the closing minutes, the defining moment of the night came during Bellingham’s incredible 98-second burst. It was a sequence that not only changed the game but also ensured the England midfielder a permanent place among the fastest scorers in FIFA World Cup history. Next, England will move on to the quarter-finals in Miami, where they will face Norway at the Hard Rock Stadium.