Bellingham injured, will England hold their breath ahead of World Cup 2026?

Jude Bellingham sustained a hamstring injury and was taken off the field instantly, sparking worries about his availability and condition for the 2026 World Cup.

On the evening of February 1, Real Madrid secured a victory against Rayo Vallecano in the 22nd round of La Liga, but Los Blancos' joy was quickly overshadowed by a key player's injury Jude Bellingham.

At the 10th minute, during a chase for the ball, the English midfielder suddenly clutched his left leg and collapsed to the ground, his face showing clear pain. The medical team immediately intervened, and teammates came over to comfort him. Coach Alvaro Arbeloa then substituted Bellingham with Brahim Diaz.

According to Marca, Bellingham was diagnosed with a left leg semitendinosus (part of the hamstring group) issue and is expected to be sidelined for about a month. Notably, pre-match images showed the 22-year-old midfielder exhibiting signs of discomfort during warm-up, increasing worries about overload and cumulative injury.

If the estimated one-month recovery holds true, theoretically Bellingham can return before the crucial end-of-season period and have enough time to regain match fitness. With the 2026 World Cup only around four months away, Bellingham could still be ready in time, provided his rehabilitation goes smoothly.

However, what worries England supporters most is the nature of hamstring injuries, which are prone to recurrence if rushed. Returning earlier than planned or playing intensively in a tight match schedule increases the risk of re-injury, which could extend the recovery period and directly affect his fitness ahead of the big tournament.

Bellingham is a crucial link in Thomas Tuchel’s plan. Not only does he create breakthroughs in midfield, but he also has the ability to explode at decisive moments. Therefore, although the chance of making it to the 2026 World Cup leans positive, England’s biggest concern is whether Bellingham can reach 100% fitness, not just simply recover in time.

Another important detail is that this is the second setback Bellingham has faced this season, following shoulder surgery early on. These repeated interruptions could affect his touch, physical base, and mental state entering the critical phase.

Basically, the door to the 2026 World Cup is still open for Bellingham. But to turn “recovering in time” into “ready to shine,” the midfielder requires a cautious rehabilitation plan, alongside careful management of his playing minutes by both club and national team in the coming months.