NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
It’s not déjà vu; lightning has struck twice in Mexico City, and not just because of the ongoing storms in the area.
In England’s round of 16 match against Mexico at the Mexico City Stadium on Sunday, Jude Bellingham scored twice in two minutes, making him the first player to score twice at the stadium since 1986. The last player? Argentina legend Diego Maradona, against England.
While Maradona needed more than just two minutes to score against Belgium in the 1986 World Cup, he didn’t need much more time and his two goals came just four minutes apart.
Bellingham and Maradona are not the only two players to have scored in a World Cup match at the historic stadium – far from it. However, they are part of an elite club of players who have scored at least two goals in the World Cup knockout stages.
Here are all players who have scored at least two goals at the Estadio Azteca in the World Cup knockout stages, from first to last:
Gerd Müller vs. Italy (semi-final 1970)
(Photo by Ferdi Hartung/ullstein bild via Getty Images)
In the legendary “Game of the Century” at the Estadio Azteca, Gerd Müller showed exactly why he was feared by defenders the world over. With a dramatic extended break with goals in the 94th and 110th minutes, Müller carried West Germany’s hopes on his back.
While Italy eventually took the win 4-3, Müller’s clinical performance went straight into the football history books.
Gary Lineker vs. Paraguay (1986 Round of 16)
(Photo by Peter Robinson – PA Images via Getty Images)
Lineker’s first goal came in the 31st minute, converting a close-range pass from Steve Hodge to open the scoring. He capped off his day off with his second goal which came in the 73rd minute after a perfect cross and an assist from Gary Stevens saw him secure the win.
His performance against Paraguay helped lead England to a 3–0 shutout win, making Lineker one of the few England players at the time to score in a World Cup match at the historic Estadio Azteca.
Diego Maradona vs. England (quarter-final 1986)
(Photo by Jean-Yves Ruszniewski/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images)
Maradona has arguably the most controversial ball of all time at the Estadio Azteca, and it all starts with the emotional impact of the goals against England. His first goal was famously known as the “Hand of God” after Maradona used his left hand to knock the ball past the goalkeeper.
For Maradona’s second goal, he intercepted the ball in his own half, spun past several defenders and got the keeper out to score. He scored both goals within four minutes, giving Argentina the 2–1 victory to advance to the semi-finals against Belgium.
Diego Maradona vs. Belgium (semi-final 1986)
(Photo by STAFF/AFP via Getty Images)
If you can do it once, why not do it twice in back-to-back games? That is exactly what Maradona achieved against Belgium. His first goal came in the 51st minute thanks to a delicate chip shot that sailed just over the goalkeeper and into the net.
Maradona’s second goal came in the 63rd minute to give Argentina a 2–0 win, sending them to the final against West Germany.
Jude Bellingham vs. Mexico (2026 Round of 16)
(Photo by CARL DE SOUZA / AFP via Getty Images)
Bellingham’s game against Mexico on their home turf could not have come at a better time for England. Bellingham struck twice within minutes of each goal, scoring a header in the 35th minute before converting a sliding finish on an assist from Harry Kane in the 37th minute.
He became the first player to score two goals in the round of 16 at the Estadio Azteca stadium in four decades, pushing England into the semi-finals against Norway. History continues to be made for England as they chase their first World Cup since 1966.
