Jamaican Roots Star Jude Bellingham Scores Twice As England Knock Co-Hosts Mexico Out Of The World Cup

News Americas, MEXICO CITY, Mexico, Mon. July 6, 2026: Jude Bellingham – the Real Madrid superstar whose mother, Denise, is of Jamaican and Kenyan descent – scored twice in the space of two first-half minutes to help England knock co-hosts Mexico out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in a 3-2 classic at the Estadio Azteca on Sunday.

In front of a deafening crowd of 80,824 at one of world football’s most intimidating venues, Bellingham produced the decisive moments in what many are calling one of the greatest matches of the tournament – handing Mexico their first ever World Cup defeat at the Azteca and ending the host nation’s dream on home soil.

England will now face Norway in Miami with a place in the World Cup semi-finals up for grabs.

Two Minutes Of Bellingham Brilliance

Jude Bellingham (England) during Round of 16 FIFA World Cup 2026, Mexico and England, Azteca Stadium, Mexico, Mexico on July 05 2026. (Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

For 35 minutes, Mexico dominated. Then the Caribbean-rooted midfielder took over. In the 37th minute, Bellingham anticipated the flight of a Bukayo Saka cross and dropped low to head England in front. Just two minutes later, he beat his marker to bundle home a second after a driving move – sending the Azteca into stunned silence and putting England 2-0 up against the run of play.

The two goals came 99 seconds apart. For Mexico – who had not conceded a single goal in 397 minutes of the tournament to that point – it was a devastating blow from a player who could have chosen to represent Jamaica.

Bellingham, eligible for Jamaican citizenship through his mother’s roots, has spoken warmly of his heritage and reportedly spent part of a recent offseason in Jamaica with his family.

A World Cup Classic

The match was far from over. Julian Quinones pulled one back for Mexico before half-time. England’s Jarell Quansah was sent off early in the second half, reducing the visitors to 10 men. Harry Kane restored the two-goal cushion from the penalty spot, only to concede a penalty himself moments later, which Raul Jimenez converted to make it 3-2.

What followed was a backs-to-the-wall defensive effort – England clinging on through 11 minutes of stoppage time as Mexico threw everything forward. But the co-hosts could not find an equalizer, and the final whistle sparked emotional scenes as exhausted England players collapsed to the turf.

At the center of it all was a midfielder with Jamaican blood, delivering on the world’s biggest stage.

The Caribbean Thread Runs Through This World Cup

Bellingham’s heroics add yet another chapter to the extraordinary story of Caribbean heritage at the 2026 World Cup – a tournament in which Caribbean roots have been visible at every turn.

Jonathan David, the son of Haitian parents, scored a hat trick for Canada. Curaçao and Haiti both competed as full nations. The Netherlands’ squad featured Virgil van Dijk, Denzel Dumfries, and Jorrel Hato – all of Caribbean descent. And England’s biggest star, Jude Bellingham, carries Jamaican heritage through his mother.

The Caribbean did not just show up at this World Cup. It has been everywhere – from the smallest nations to the biggest stars.