Numbers defining Jude Bellingham’s outstanding World Cup impact
By Joel Masibo, July 12, 2026England midfielder Jude Bellingham is having a remarkable FIFA World Cup 2026, thanks to key statistics behind his performances.
Jude Bellingham once delivered the perfect response when asked after his dramatic stoppage-time bicycle kick against Slovakia at UEFA EURO 2024: “Who keeps writing your scripts?” came the question. “I do,” he answered.
More than two years after that unforgettable strike in Gelsenkirchen, the England star has continued producing memorable moments on football’s biggest stage. At the FIFA World Cup 2026, the England No.10 has been instrumental in victories over Mexico and Norway, helping guide the Three Lions into the semi-finals.
Here is a look at the standout numbers that have shaped Bellingham’s exceptional campaign.
Number 98
England secured one of the most memorable victories in their World Cup history by edging Mexico 3-2 in the Round of 16 at Mexico City Stadium. Bellingham sparked the comeback by scoring twice within a remarkable span of just 98 seconds during the opening half.
Number 50
During England’s second Group L fixture against Ghana, Bellingham became the youngest footballer ever to reach 50 appearances for the national team. He achieved the milestone at the age of 22 years and 359 days.
Number 40
His two-goal display against Mexico also saw him become the first player to score twice in a World Cup match at Mexico City Stadium since Diego Maradona achieved the feat 40 years earlier. Maradona scored both goals in Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Belgium to book a place in the final.
Bellingham repeated the feat in the quarter-finals with another brace against Norway. The last player to score two goals in successive World Cup knockout matches was also Maradona, who struck twice against England before repeating the achievement versus Belgium at Mexico 1986. Bellingham is the second-youngest player to accomplish this, behind only Pele, who managed it at the 1958 World Cup as a 17-year-old.
Number 24
Bellingham has now scored seven goals in FIFA World Cup matches. Before turning 24, only Kylian Mbappe had registered more, with 12 goals.
Number 10
Against Mexico, Bellingham became the youngest player to reach 10 World Cup appearances. He set the record at 23 years and six days, surpassing Mario Kempes, who was 23 years and 334 days when he reached the same landmark during Argentina 1978.
Number 7
The England midfielder’s World Cup tally now stands at seven goals. Among England players, only Harry Kane with 14 and Gary Lineker with 10 have scored more at the tournament.
Number 6
Bellingham has found the net six times during the current World Cup, the highest total ever recorded by a midfielder in a single edition of the competition.
Number 3
His braces against Mexico and Norway made him only the third England player to score multiple goals in back-to-back World Cup matches. He joins Gary Lineker, who did so against Poland and Paraguay in 1986, and Harry Kane, who achieved the feat against Tunisia and Panama in 2018.
Number 1
This tournament marks the first occasion a single country has produced two players with six or more goals at the same World Cup. Bellingham shares that distinction with England captain Harry Kane, who has also reached six goals.