Jude Bellingham's Double at the Azteca
England midfielder Jude Bellingham has become the first player in 40 years to score a brace at Mexico City's Azteca Stadium during a World Cup. In a Round of 16 match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, England defeated host nation Mexico 3-2. This game was the final World Cup 2026 fixture held at the iconic Azteca, which previously hosted the 1986 final and five other matches in this tournament.
Bellingham, who has played only five matches in the 2026 World Cup, has already netted four goals and provided one assist. This marks the second World Cup appearance for the 20-year-old. The last brace at the Azteca occurred in 1986, when Argentina's Diego Maradona scored twice in a semifinal against Belgium.
Round of 16 and Knockout Stage
The 2026 World Cup's Round of 16 began on July 4, 2026, with Canada facing Morocco. Morocco won that match 3-0. Other Round of 16 pairings included:
- Paraguay vs. France (0-1)
- Brazil vs. Norway (1-2)
- USA vs. Belgium
- Portugal vs. Spain
- Argentina vs. Egypt
- Switzerland vs. Colombia
The final Round of 16 match is scheduled for July 7, when Switzerland takes on Colombia.
Additionally, FIFA has decided to suspend the suspension of US forward Folarin Balogun and has allowed the Russian youth team to participate in the U-15 World Cup, which will be held in Azerbaijan this autumn.
The scheduled group stage and knockout matches for the 2026 World Cup, along with their dates, point to a broad range of competitions continuing until the final, planned for July 19, 2026.
This match was a significant milestone for the English team, as defeating the tournament hosts underscores their ambitions in this championship.
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Jude Bellingham, as a young talent, continues to impress with his achievements, which could shape his international football career. Meanwhile, the progression of the knockout stage and the participation of other teams in the tournament highlight the growing competition and intrigue at this World Cup.
As England moves forward in the knockout stage, it's worth noting the recent thrilling match where Belgium executed a remarkable comeback, showcasing the unpredictable nature of this World Cup. This adds to the excitement as teams vie for glory, making each game crucial in shaping the tournament's outcome. For more on Belgium's impressive performance, check out the details here.