Bellingham scores twice in two minutes at Azteca to join Maradona in World Cup history

Jude Bellingham scored twice in two minutes against Mexico at Estadio Azteca on Sunday, becoming the first player to register a World Cup brace at the iconic stadium since Diego Maradona did so against England and Belgium in 1986. England’s round-of-16 victory moved Bellingham into an exclusive group of players who have scored multiple goals at the venue in the knockout stages of the tournament.

The 21-year-old’s double at Mexico City Stadium placed him alongside a handful of all-time greats. Gerd Müller was the first to achieve the feat, scoring twice in extra time — in the 94th and 110th minutes — during the legendary 1970 semifinal against Italy, a match West Germany ultimately lost 4-3 in what became known as the “Game of the Century.” Gary Lineker joined that company at the same tournament edition of the ground, netting in the 31st and 73rd minutes to help England to a 3-0 win over Paraguay in the 1986 round of 16.

Maradona’s entries on that list remain the most debated. His brace against England in the 1986 quarterfinal included the infamous “Hand of God” opener, punched past the goalkeeper with his left hand, followed by a solo run from his own half that is widely regarded as one of the greatest goals ever scored. Both arrived within four minutes of each other as Argentina won 2-1. He then repeated the feat in the semifinal against Belgium, scoring twice more to send Argentina to the final.

Bellingham’s two goals in two minutes represent the fastest brace in that select group, underlining a performance that will be measured against some of the sport’s most celebrated moments at one of football’s most storied venues.

Here is every player to have scored at least two goals at Estadio Azteca in the World Cup knockout stage:

• Gerd Müller — West Germany vs. Italy, 1970 Semifinal
• Gary Lineker — England vs. Paraguay, 1986 Round of 16
• Diego Maradona — Argentina vs. England, 1986 Quarterfinal
• Diego Maradona — Argentina vs. Belgium, 1986 Semifinal
• Jude Bellingham — England vs. Mexico, 2026 Round of 16