FIFA WC 2026: Jude Bellingham joins Maradona in exclusive club
Jude Bellingham has matched a 40-year-old record held by Diego Maradona by scoring in consecutive knockout matches at the 2026 World Cup. His performance against Norway secured England's place in the semi-finals.
Why it matters
Historical comparisons in sports provide context for the significance of modern athletic achievements.
Forty years ago in Mexico, Diego Maradona scored twice against England and twice against Belgium in consecutive World Cup knockout matches. On Sunday in Miami, Jude Bellingham did exactly the same thing.Bellingham became the first player since Maradona in 1986 to score two or more goals in consecutive knockout stage appearances at the same World Cup, completing back-to-back braces against Mexico in the Round of 16 at the Azteca and Norway in Saturday's quarterfinal at Hard Rock Stadium. England won 2-1, booking their place in the World Cup semifinal for the first time since 1990.The comparison with Maradona is as extraordinary as it is fitting.
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