Fans at Estadio Azteca had to wait an extra hour to see Mexico and England kick off their highly-anticipated Round of 16 battle, and they saw Mexico control much of the first half -- with the exception of 98 seconds.
England's Jude Bellingham scored twice in 98 seconds to stun the largely pro-Mexico crowd, turning a tight battle into an instant 2-0 advantage for the de facto road team.
Mexico would answer with a vengeance, getting one goal back and nearly scoring an equalizer at multiple points, putting England on the defense. Bellingham, however, could be the difference in the end.
Here's a look at Bellingham's goals against Mexico.
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Jude Bellingham brace vs. Mexico
Bellingham gave England an early lead with a header in the 36th minute, marking the first goal scored on Mexico in this tournament.
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 6, 2026Just as Mexico was looking to settle down and generate its own opportunity after letting up its first goal of this World Cup, England stole the ball, had a numbers advantage while driving toward the goal and got it to Bellingham for a second goal in 98 seconds:
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 6, 2026Bellingham's brace is the third-fastest in World Cup history, behind only Toni Kroos (69 seconds) and Kylian Mbappe (97 seconds).
The 23-year-old became the first player with a multi-goal World Cup game at Estadio Azteca since Diego Maradona in 1986, and he jumped his personal total to four goals in this World Cup.
Mexico scored once and put a scare into England after Bellingham's goals, but the 2-1 halftime advantage is certainly something the English are content to have.

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