Jude Bellingham capitalised on FIFA's decision to reverse a controversial rule that had banned players and managers from speaking Spanish at official World Cup media engagements. The England midfielder conducted a post-match interview in Spanish following England's 0-0 draw with Ghana on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.
FIFA's Initial Ban on Spanish
Earlier in the tournament, which began on June 11, FIFA instructed players and managers to answer questions from Spanish-speaking journalists in English, even if they were fluent in Spanish. The restriction sparked backlash when stars like Brazil's Vinicius Junior and Morocco's Achraf Hakimi were affected. Hakimi, born in Madrid, was preparing to answer a Mexican reporter in Spanish when a FIFA official interrupted and directed them to use English. The awkward moment went viral, highlighting the absurdity of the rule, especially as the World Cup is co-hosted by Mexico, a Spanish-speaking nation.
FIFA's U-Turn
FIFA initially claimed there was no blanket ban and blamed limited translation resources. However, after widespread criticism, the governing body changed the regulations last week. Journalists can now pose questions in Spanish at any official press conference, and players are free to respond in Spanish regardless of the teams playing.
Bellingham's Linguistic Skills
Bellingham, who became fluent in Spanish after taking lessons following his 2023 transfer to Real Madrid, took full advantage of the rule change. In the mixed zone after the England-Ghana match, a Spanish journalist asked how he was feeling. Bellingham replied in Spanish: "Everything's fine. We're here, ready to compete. Today was a bit tricky, but it's no big deal. I'm confident. They took me off just before the end today, but it's ok. I trust the coaching staff and the manager. I know the substitutes can do a wonderful job."
When asked if he liked Spain, Bellingham initially misunderstood, thinking he was being asked about the country. He said: "Spain? Very much. I love it." Then clarifying: "Oh, you mean the squad? They're very good as well, but the country's even better. I love it."
Impact of the Rule Change
The reversal allows players to express themselves more naturally and connects them with Spanish-speaking fans worldwide. Bellingham's use of Spanish underscores his integration into Spanish football culture and his respect for the host nation's language.
