Bellingham sets England record with 7 World Cup goals
England midfielder Jude Bellingham has become the first English player to score seven goals in a single edition of the FIFA World Cup. He achieved the milestone during the third-place playoff against France on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Bellingham scored England's sixth goal in the 98th minute, slotting past French goalkeeper Mike Maignan, to seal a 6-4 victory for England. The goal was his seventh of the tournament, surpassing the previous record held by Gary Lineker, who scored six goals in the 1986 World Cup.
The match was a dramatic affair, with England building a 5-2 lead before France staged a late fightback. Bukayo Saka scored a hat-trick, including two goals in the first half, to put England in a commanding position. However, France scored twice in quick succession to reduce the deficit to 5-4, setting up a tense finale. Bellingham's late strike ensured England finished third, their best result since winning the tournament in 1966.
Bellingham, who plays his club football for Real Madrid, has been a key player for England throughout the tournament. His seven goals came from a combination of clinical finishing and intelligent movement, and he also contributed three assists. The 22-year-old's performances have drawn praise from fans and pundits alike, cementing his status as one of the world's best midfielders.
England's third-place finish is a significant achievement for a team that has often fallen short in major tournaments. Manager Gareth Southgate praised his team's resilience and attacking flair, noting that the squad's depth and quality were evident in the high-scoring match. The victory over France, a team that had eliminated England in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup, was particularly satisfying for the English players and supporters.
Bellingham's record is likely to stand for some time, given the difficulty of reaching seven goals in a single World Cup. With his young age and continued development, he may have more opportunities to add to his tally in future tournaments.
