One of the world’s greatest midfielders, Jude Bellingham is primed to be at the heart of England’s bid for glory at FIFA World Cup 2026™.
Remarkably, the Real Madrid star will only turn 23 during the tournament but he is already closing in on a half-century of senior international caps. FIFA looks at Bellingham’s sparkling career to date as he sets his sights on the most coveted prize of all.
Bellingham’s achievements and attributes
There was considerable hype around Bellingham even before he made his Birmingham City debut aged just 16 years and 38 days. A rare talent, his precocious skill was matched by a maturity well beyond his tender years.
To say he has made good on that promise would be an understatement. In the seven years since his Birmingham bow, Bellingham has become one of the biggest names on planet football.
He went on to light up the Bundesliga after leaving his home country to join Borussia Dortmund – and is currently a talismanic figure for both Real Madrid and England.
A dominant presence in midfield, his physicality and speed is supplemented with exceptional technique and a capacity to score vital goals.
Of his myriad qualities, perhaps his greatest is that he consistently delivers when it matters most. Bellingham has produced game-changing moments in seismic matches for club and country; he has two stoppage-time winners in Real Madrid-Barcelona Clásicos to his name and has also netted in major international tournaments for England.
Bellingham has won a host of honours with Madrid, including a La Liga title, a UEFA Champions League crown and a FIFA Intercontinental Cup™ triumph. For England, Bellingham has twice been a runner-up at the UEFA EURO. In his maiden World Cup campaign at Qatar 2022, he was part of the Three Lions team which reached the quarter-finals.
Bellingham tributes
“He’s an unbelievable player. The way he plays, the confidence he plays with and also the way he affects games. It’s important for people playing in these positions to get goals and assists and that is what he does.”
Harry Kane, England captain
“For someone that is so young to have the maturity that he has is incredible. I think him playing abroad has helped him with that. It’s not just the talent with Jude, it’s about the way he is, the way he handles himself, he’s a model pro that knows exactly what he needs to do.”
David Beckham, former England international
“Bellingham is a gift to football. The entire football community is delighted to witness a player with this potential and positive image.”
Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil head coach
Bellingham trivia
Birmingham retired Bellingham’s No22 shirt when he left the club for Dortmund aged just 17. The club stated it was a fitting way “to remember one of our own and to inspire others.”
Bellingham is part of a talented footballing family. Younger brother Jobe now plays for Dortmund and his father, Mark, scored more than 700 goals in non-league football.
Bellingham was also eligible to play for the Republic of Ireland as his paternal grandmother is Irish.
Bellingham stats
Bellingham’s World Cup history
Even though he was still a teenager, Bellingham was already an established part of England’s team when he played at Qatar 2022. He wasted little time in making his mark at the global finals, scoring England’s first goal as in their 6-2 opening-game win over IR Iran.
He started all five of the Three Lions’ matches at the competition, and provided the assist for Jordan Henderson to strike in a 3-0 last-16 victory against Senegal. England’s campaign was ended by France in a dramatic quarter-final, with Les Bleus prevailing 2-1.
Bellingham and England’s World Cup 2026 hopes
Such is the talent at coach Thomas Tuchel’s disposal, England will head to World Cup 2026 with realistic ambitions of lifting the title.
Bellingham is expected to be England’s driving force at the tournament, whether in a deeper midfield role or in an advanced position supporting deadly No9 Harry Kane.
In whichever position he plays, Bellingham has proven time and again he is a man for the big occasion. Can he help England clinch their first global crown in 60 years?
