Jude Bellingham helps set a record as England begin the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a 4-2 win over Croatia, while also reaching a major milestone for his international tournament experience. In the group-stage opener at Dallas, Bellingham scores for England, netting in the 47th minute to follow up on a match in which Harry Kane scores twice and Marcus Rashford adds a late goal. England’s victory comes after Croatia remains competitive throughout the match.
Multiple reports say Bellingham becomes the youngest European player to feature in four different major men’s tournaments, at 22 years and 353 days. His four-tournament run includes Euro 2020, the 2022 World Cup, Euro 2024, and the 2026 World Cup. Sources also report that, before turning 23, he joins the elite list of players who score in two different World Cup editions before that age, described as matching the earlier accomplishments of Pele and Michael Owen.
One outlet also notes the milestone is reached after Bellingham starts the match, and compares the record with Jamal Musiala, who reportedly broke the previous timeframe record days earlier.
