Bellingham, 22, becomes youngest European to play four major tournaments
Synopsis
At 22 years and 353 days, Jude Bellingham is now the youngest European man to play in four major international tournaments — and he marked the occasion with a goal in England's 4-2 World Cup 2026 win over Croatia. He beat Jamal Musiala's record and could reach 50 England caps against Ghana on Wednesday.
Key Takeaways
Jude Bellingham became the youngest European player to appear in four major tournaments at 22 years and 353 days on 18 June 2026 .
He surpassed Germany's Jamal Musiala (23y 108d) to claim the record.
Bellingham started and scored in England's 4-2 victory over Croatia in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L opener in Arlington .
Harry Kane scored a brace; Marcus Rashford and Bellingham added second-half goals.
Bellingham is the third-youngest England debutant in history, having first played for the Three Lions at 17 years and 136 days .
He could earn his 50th England cap against Ghana on Wednesday (IST).
Jude Bellingham etched his name into the record books on 18 June 2026 in Arlington, becoming the youngest European player to appear in four major international tournaments — and doing so in style, starting and scoring in England's commanding 4-2 victory over Croatia in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L opener.
The Record Explained
At just 22 years and 353 days old, Bellingham surpassed Germany's Jamal Musiala (23 years and 108 days) as the youngest men's player to feature across four major tournaments — a combination of FIFA World Cups and UEFA European Championships. The milestone was first reached earlier in the same week when Bellingham featured in England's group match against Curacao; the Croatia outing then saw him cement it with a goal.
His tournament journey began as a teenager at UEFA EURO 2020 (played in the summer of 2021), followed by the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar and UEFA EURO 2024 in Germany, before this World Cup appearance in the United States.
England's Brilliant Group L Win
The 4-2 result against Croatia was a statement performance. Harry Kane delivered a brilliant brace to put England in command, before second-half goals from Bellingham and Marcus Rashford sealed the three points in an exciting Group L contest. The win sets England up strongly ahead of their next fixture against Ghana on Wednesday (IST).
Bellingham Among England's Youngest Debutants
The Real Madrid midfielder is also the third-youngest player in England's history, having made his senior international debut aged 17 years and 136 days. Only Theo Walcott and Wayne Rooney were younger at the time of their maiden Three Lions appearances. Fellow Englishman Michael Owen also features in the all-time youngest-four-tournaments list, having appeared at the 1998 and 2002 World Cups as well as EURO 2000 and EURO 2024, at 24 years and 182 days.
Bellingham Speaks on His Commitment
After the Croatia win, Bellingham reflected on what pulling on the England shirt means to him. 'It's my responsibility to my team and my country to give everything I have when I cross the line and when I wear that badge on the front, that No.10 on the back, I want to give everything I have, with and without the ball, to the team,' he said.
'It's been a long season for me, I've probably missed more camps than I would have liked, more training that I would have liked but I like to think I've always got something in me where I know when it comes to this time, I'll step up for my team,' he added.
What Comes Next
Bellingham could reach 50 international caps for England in the Three Lions' next Group L match against Ghana on Wednesday (IST). The youngest-four-tournaments list in full: Jude Bellingham (England) 22y 353d; Jamal Musiala (Germany) 23y 108d; Pedri (Spain) 23y 202d; Jérémy Doku (Belgium) 24y 19d; Michael Owen (England) 24y 182d; Lukas Podolski (Germany) 25y 9d.
Point of View
Rather than watching another gifted squad exit on penalties. His willingness to 'step up' is not in doubt; the system around him is what has historically let England down.
NationPress
10 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What record did Jude Bellingham set at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Jude Bellingham became the youngest European player to appear in four major international tournaments (World Cups and EUROs) at the age of 22 years and 353 days. He surpassed Germany's Jamal Musiala, who held the previous record at 23 years and 108 days.
How did England perform against Croatia at the 2026 World Cup?
England beat Croatia 4-2 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L opener in Arlington on 18 June 2026. Harry Kane scored a brace, with Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford adding second-half goals to seal the win.
Which four tournaments has Jude Bellingham played in?
Bellingham has played in UEFA EURO 2020 (held in 2021), the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, UEFA EURO 2024 in Germany, and the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States.
How young was Bellingham when he made his England debut?
Jude Bellingham made his England debut at 17 years and 136 days, making him the third-youngest player to represent the senior national side. Only Theo Walcott and Wayne Rooney were younger at the time of their debuts.
When could Bellingham reach 50 England caps?
Bellingham could earn his 50th international cap for England in their next FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match against Ghana, scheduled for Wednesday (IST).
