Jude Bellingham scored in England’s 4-2 win over Croatia at the 2026 World Cup, joining Pele and Michael Owen as the only players to score in two World Cup editions before age 23. He also set European records for major tournament appearances under 23. Kane (2) and Rashford also scored.

Texas [US]: England's football sensation Jude Bellingham has now registered his name in the elite company, besides Brazil legend Pele and England legend Michael Owen, for being the third man to score in two different editions of the FIFA World Cup before turning 23.

As per ESPN, after his strike in the 47th minute, Bellingham is the third player after Pele (1958, 1962) and Michael Owen (1998, 2002) to score in two different FIFA WC editions before turning 23. The 22-year-old played a crucial role in England's 4-2 win over Croatia in their campaign opener at Texas.

Bellingham has become the youngest European player to feature in four different major men's tournaments, achieving the milestone at just 22 years and 353 days during England's World Cup 2026 opener against Croatia, according to the Opta Analyst website.

In the process, he became the first player to complete the feat before turning 23, setting a new benchmark in European football history.