Jude Bellingham

World Cup 2026 Analysis

Jude Bellingham: Latest News, Form, and 2026 World Cup Outlook

England's midfield maestro, Jude Bellingham, has been a prominent figure in recent football news, notably returning to the national squad after recovering from a shoulder injury, while facing increased competition for his place in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup.

Latest News

Bellingham recently made his return to the England squad in November 2025 for World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania, following surgery for a left shoulder dislocation that he had played through for over 100 appearances since November 2023. This injury had caused his omission from Thomas Tuchel's squad for the October qualifiers. Despite ongoing transfer speculation, including reported interest from Chelsea, Bellingham is reportedly happy and committed to Real Madrid, where he aims to redeem himself after a season he felt was "far from his best".

Current Form

Bellingham's form for Real Madrid this 2025/2026 season has shown some inconsistency. As of early November 2026, he had registered 3 goals and 1 assist in La Liga, which has been noted as a dip compared to previous seasons. However, other reports suggest his performances have been improving under manager Xabi Alonso, and he is considered a contender for La Liga's U23 player of the month in December. Overall, he has scored 4 goals in 14 matches in the 2025/2026 La Liga season, contributing to 7 goals and assists in total. His last recorded match on Sofascore, a 2-0 victory against Sevilla, saw him achieve an impressive 9.2 rating. Throughout his debut season at Real Madrid, he played through chronic shoulder pain to help secure La Liga and Champions League titles, and also featured in England's Euro 2024 final run.

2026 World Cup Outlook

Bellingham is widely expected to be a key player for England at the 2026 World Cup, with many viewing him as a "fiery catalyst" for the team. Former England defender Nigel Winterburn believes manager Thomas Tuchel will not overlook "big names" like Bellingham when selecting the squad. Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has also asserted that England without Bellingham is unimaginable.

However, competition for places, particularly in the number ten role, is intensifying. Players like Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, and Morgan Rogers from the Premier League are reportedly pushing for starting spots, and Bellingham is no longer considered "untouchable" by the coaching staff. Manager Thomas Tuchel has emphasized that no player is guaranteed a place, prioritizing team cohesion and adaptability within his system. Despite this, Bellingham's exceptional mentality, passion, and "will to win" are seen as crucial assets for England's World Cup aspirations. England has already secured their top spot in their World Cup qualifying group, boasting an impeccable 18-0 aggregate scoreline.