England star Jude Bellingham produced one of the standout performances of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16, but it was his impressive post-match tackle on Mexican youngster Gilberto Mora that won the hearts of fans after the Three Lions’ impressive 3-2 win at the Estadio Azteca.A video of Bellingham swapping jerseys with a 17-year-old Mexican girl quickly went viral on social media, with fans praising the mutual respect between two of the world’s brightest young talents after the memorable clash.Bellingham had earlier boosted England’s lead with a stunning first-half win before Harry Kane added a penalty as Thomas Tuchel’s side booked a quarter-final meeting with Norway. Watch: Bellingham and Mora share a memorable moment after the gameShortly after the final whistle, cameras caught Bellingham and Mora exchanging shirts in a moment that quickly went viral on social media.The exchange was especially important because of Mora’s incredible competitive streak. A few days earlier, the Mexican midfielder became the second-highest player to start FIFA World Cup knockout game at 17 years and 259 days, behind Brazilian legend Pelé, as Bellingham continued to prove himself as one of the tournament’s greatest champions.
‘I’m very proud of this team’
Bellingham, who was named Player of the Match after scoring twice, showed how much England won and what it meant to his players.“I think I can think about it. I can think I’m killing people, but, in terms of happiness, it’s good,” Bellingham said in a video shared by Sky Sports Football. “Everyone no matter where you’re from, no matter, you know, what kind of thing you do, I can imagine that everyone is in this together.”The midfielder said moments like these are why he dreams of representing England.“And that’s something that I dream of being part of the England team, bringing my country together, and giving them a night like this to look forward to for many years to come and I’m very proud of this team, honestly. What we’ve done here tonight is amazing,” he added.
A night of history in England and Bellingham
England overcame huge odds to reach the last eight despite playing a heavy second half with 10 men after defender Jarell Quansah was sent off in the 54th minute.Bellingham had already put England two goals ahead after just two minutes, heading in Bukayo Saka’s cross before calmly finishing off Harry Kane’s assist.Mexico responded through Julián Quiñones just before the break and later reduced the deficit when Raúl Jiménez converted after Kane had turned England’s two-goal advantage back from there.Despite late pressure from the hosts, Jordan Pickford and the England defense stood up to secure a famous victory at the Azteca.The night was also historic for Bellingham personally. According to FIFA, the England international, aged 23 years and six days, became the youngest player to play in 10 FIFA World Cup matches, surpassing the previous record of Argentina’s Mario Kempes, who was 23 years and 334 days at the 1978 tournament.England will now face Norway’s Erling Haaland in the quarterfinals.
