World Cup: Bellingham Becomes 7th Player in History to Score Braces in Consecutive Knockout Matches

England midfielder Jude Bellingham made FIFA World Cup history on Saturday after scoring twice in his side’s 2-1 quarter-final victory over Norway, becoming the seventh player ever to register braces in consecutive knockout matches.

The Real Madrid star delivered another match-winning performance as the Three Lions secured a place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they will face defending champions Argentina.

Bellingham had also scored twice in England’s Round of 16 victory over Mexico, making him the latest player to achieve the rare feat of scoring braces in back-to-back knockout fixtures at the World Cup.

The 23-year-old’s latest achievement places him among an elite group of football legends who have reached the milestone in the tournament’s history.

The exclusive list began with Italy’s Silvio Piola, who accomplished the feat during the 1938 World Cup. Hungary’s Sándor Kocsis followed in 1954 before Brazil legends Pelé and Garrincha repeated the achievement in 1958 and 1962 respectively.

Argentina icon Diego Maradona joined the list at the 1986 World Cup, while France captain Kylian Mbappé became the sixth player to accomplish the feat during the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

Bellingham is now the seventh player to enter the record books after inspiring England to another knockout victory.

His outstanding performances have been central to England’s impressive campaign in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with the midfielder consistently delivering in decisive moments.

Against Norway, Bellingham struck twice to help England overcome a stubborn opponent and continue their pursuit of a second World Cup title.

The victory also earned England a place in the last four, where they will face Argentina in one of the tournament’s most anticipated semi-final fixtures.

With four goals across England’s last two knockout matches, Bellingham has further strengthened his reputation as one of the world’s finest midfielders and one of the standout performers at the 2026 World Cup.

England will now hope the in-form midfielder can maintain his scoring streak when they take on Argentina for a place in the World Cup final.