New Delhi: As England secured a 3-2 win against Mexico in the Round of 16 at the Azteca Stadium of the 2026 World Cup, Jude Bellingham delivered a phenomenal performance with two goals, three shots on target, eight successful dribbles and winning 10 duels. With this, he matched Diego Maradona’s feat in the 1986 World Cup semi-final against Belgium.
In 1986, Maradona had delivered a similar mix of goals, creativity, and physicality at the same stadium, following which his side lifted the trophy.
Bellingham opened the scoring in the 36th minute from a cross and followed with a quick second just 98 seconds later to stun the home crowd, putting England in a commanding position. Despite England defender Jarell Quansah receiving a red card in the 54th minute, Bellingham, alongside a critical penalty converted by Harry Kane, helped the team withstand a ferocious Mexican comeback.
Bellingham tackled Mexico’s defence with his dribbling skills, helping England maintain possession and create chances. While Mexico fought hard and created moments of their own, England dominated the entire game.
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‘Best night of my England career’
The numbers achieved by the English midfielder highlight his dominance in the midfield. Bellingham was pleased with his outing, terming it the “best night of his England career”.
“I’ve never been more proud of a group of lads, a squad, a nation,” Bellingham said. “It was a country’s performance. It felt like everything I’ve seen this week is the country behind us. All we’ve talked about this week is how difficult it’s going to be in an unbelievable atmosphere against a very good team. To get this win is the best night of my England career so far, for sure.”
The star player has drawn praise from football analysts and fans alike.
“You see Jude last night, I compared him to Zinedine Zidane, and I was maybe a little bit ambitious, but look at that game last night with what he’s doing, he is unbelievable. His two goals just topped it off for me, and what a ball from Harry Kane was well for his second goal,” football analyst and former England defender John Terry said.
With this critical victory over Mexico, England now advances to the quarter-finals with renewed confidence. However, the win ends Mexico’s campaign, leaving the home crowd heartbroken. For Bellingham, the match cements his status as one of world football’s brightest talents. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on whether he can carry this form deeper into the knockout stages.
In the quarter-finals, the Three Lions will face Norway.
(Edited by Saptak Datta)