Jude Bellingham World Cup 2026: World Cup 2026: Jude Bellingham is new prince of European soccer? England number 10 football star now secures massive historic feat
According to the Opta Analyst website, Bellingham achieved the record after being named in Thomas Tuchel’s starting XI ahead of Morgan Rogers, further cementing his status as one of the most experienced young players on the global stage. In the process, he became the first player to complete the feat before the age of 23, setting a new standard in European football history.
The previous record was set just four days earlier by Germany’s Jamal Musiala, who was making his fourth major tournament appearance in 23 years and 108 days, during Germany’s 7-1 win over Curacao.
Spaniard Pedri (23 years, 202 days) and Belgian Jeremy Doku (24 years, 19 days) made their fourth major appearance at the 2026 World Cup against Cape Verde and Egypt respectively.
Although only 22 years old, Bellingham is already among the most experienced young players in major tournament history and his game against Croatia made him 16 caps for England in major tournaments.
This places him ahead of leading names such as Frank Lampard, Tony Adams and Bryan Robson, and gives him the most appearances of any European player before the age of 23.
He currently leads teammate Bukayo Saka and is ahead of Josko Gvardiol (14), Pedri (14), Cristiano Ronaldo (12) and Michael Owen (12) in the list. Meanwhile, England opened their FIFA 2026 World Cup campaign with an entertaining 4-2 win over Croatia in their Group L clash at the Dallas Stadium on Wednesday (local time).
Harry Kane scored twice, Jude Bellingham scored a standout strike in the second half, while substitute Marcus Rashford added a late goal to complete the victory as Thomas Tuchel’s side beat a determined challenge from the Croatians.
