England star Jude Bellingham put in one of his finest performances in the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup, but it was his touching move on Mexican youngster Gilberto Mora that captured the hearts of fans after the Three Lions’ dramatic 3-2 win at the Estadio Azteca.Video of Bellingham exchanging shirts with the 17-year-old Mexican star soon went viral on social media, with supporters praising two of world football’s brightest young talents for showing mutual respect after a memorable knockout tie.Bellingham earlier scored twice in the first half to give England victory before Harry Kane converted the decisive penalty to set up a quarter-final clash with Norway for Thomas Tuchel’s side. WATCH: Bellingham and Mora share memorable post-match momentShortly after the final whistle, cameras captured the moment Bellingham and Moura exchanged shirts, a moment that quickly went viral on social media.The exchange was particularly important given Moura’s remarkable breakthrough in the tournament. Just days ago, the Mexican midfielder became the second youngest player ever to start the game. fifa world cup He entered the knockout rounds at the age of 17 years and 259 days, second only to Brazilian legend Pele, while Bellingham continued to cement himself as one of the game’s biggest stars.
“I’m very proud of this team”
Bellingham, who was named man of the match after scoring twice, emotionally reflected on England’s victory and what it meant to his home fans.“I think I can imagine it. I can imagine it being a carnage but in a happy way, it’s positive,” Bellingham said in a video shared by Sky Sports Football. “Everyone, no matter where you come from, no matter what you do, I can imagine everyone being together.”The midfielder says moments like this are why he dreams of representing England.“That’s what I dream about being part of the England team, to bring my country together and give them nights like this that hopefully they’ll enjoy for many years to come and I’m proud of this team to be honest. What we did here tonight was spectacular,” he added.
A historic night for England and Bellingham
England played with 10 men for much of the second half but overcame significant adversity to reach the quarter-finals, despite defender Jarrell Quasa being sent off in the 54th minute.Bellingham put England in control with two goals in just two minutes, first heading in Bukayo Saka’s cross and then calmly finishing off Harry Kane’s assist.Mexico responded before half-time through Julian Quiñones and then narrowed the gap again with a penalty from Raul Jimenez after Kane restored England’s two-goal advantage.Despite relentless late pressure from the home side, Jordan Pickford and the England defense held on to seal a famous victory at the Estadio Azteca.The night was also historic for Bellingham personally. At 23 years and 6 days old, the England midfielder became the youngest player ever to appear in 10 World Cups, surpassing Argentina’s Mario Kempes’ record of 23 years and 334 days at the 1978 World Cup, according to FIFA.England will now face Haaland’s Norway in the quarter-finals.
