Jude Bellingham has joined Diego Maradona in a rare piece of World Cup history after scoring twice in consecutive knockout matches for England.
The 23-year-old followed his two-goal performance against Mexico with another brace against Norway, carrying Thomas Tuchel’s side into the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup.
No player had scored at least twice in back-to-back knockout matches at the same World Cup since Maradona achieved the feat during Argentina’s triumphant campaign in 1986.
Two goals in 98 seconds against Mexico
Bellingham’s remarkable run began in England’s round-of-16 meeting with co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca Stadium.
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According to FIFA’s official match report, the Real Madrid midfielder scored in the 36th and 38th minutes as England established a two-goal lead.
Mexico responded through Julián Quiñones and a Raúl Jiménez penalty, but Harry Kane’s goal from the spot proved decisive as England survived a late onslaught to win 3-2.
Bellingham’s goals came just 98 seconds apart. He also produced a vital defensive intervention close to his own goal as England played the closing stages with 10 men following Jarell Quansah’s dismissal.
Bellingham rescues England again
The midfielder proved decisive once more when England faced Norway in the quarter-finals in Miami.
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Andreas Schjelderup gave Norway the lead in the 36th minute, but Bellingham equalised in first-half stoppage time. He then struck again three minutes into extra time to secure a 2-1 victory.
As described in the Sky Sports match report, Bellingham’s second brace in as many matches sent England into their first World Cup semi-final since 2018.
The performance also took Bellingham to six goals at the tournament, equalling the England record for the most goals scored at a single World Cup. Gary Lineker first reached that total in 1986, before Kane matched it during his Golden Boot-winning campaign in 2018.
A feat last achieved by Maradona
Maradona established the benchmark during Argentina’s victorious 1986 World Cup campaign in Mexico.
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He scored both goals in the famous 2-1 quarter-final victory over England, including the “Hand of God” and his celebrated solo goal. He then added another two in Argentina’s 2-0 semi-final win against Belgium.
Bellingham is the first player in the 40 years since that tournament to score two or more goals in consecutive World Cup knockout matches at the same edition.
The comparison does not suggest that the two players possess similar styles. It instead illustrates the rarity of producing repeated match-winning performances when the margin for error is at its smallest.
England’s decisive tournament player
Bellingham’s influence extends beyond his four goals in the knockout stages.
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Nine of his 12 goals for England have come at major tournaments, including seven across his two World Cup appearances. His performances against Mexico and Norway have further strengthened his reputation for delivering in high-pressure matches.
England will now face defending champions Argentina in the semi-finals. Bellingham will consequently have another opportunity to follow Maradona’s path and leave an even greater mark on the tournament.
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