Jude Bellingham hasn’t played for clubs or country this season, but that will change soon. (Photo: Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
England got off to a perfect start to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, further boosting the return of Jude Bellingham.
Bellingham, undoubtedly one of England’s stars, has only played in one of his five World Cup qualifying matches so far. He has been in action since mid-July and underwent surgery for a shoulder injury that has been bothering him since his first few months in Real Madrid.
Initially, the plan was for Bellingham, who was nominated for the 2025 Ballon D’Or Award, to go out for three months. However, he recovered much earlier than expected.
Real Madrid confirms Jude Bellingham Return
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso was selected for the match-day team in the opening match of the Champions League against Marseille on Tuesday, including Bellingham. The 22-year-old received medical green light to return to the actions of La Liga Giants. That means he could be involved in Santiago Bernabeu.
Nevertheless, Bellingham is unlikely to start the match up for the next few weeks, making it difficult to join Thomas Touchel’s team for upcoming matches against Wales (friendly) and Latvia (World Cup Qualifiers). Real Madrid may also ask that their players have been ruled out so he doesn’t risk another injury.
Bellingham’s key is a way to return to full fitness over the coming weeks, and at least they will have to join the English team for the final World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania in November.
