Real Madrid World Cup Spotlight: Bellingham shines while Bernardo Silva disappoints | OneFootball

The first round of group-stage matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has come to a close, and it has been as entertaining as everyone anticipated.

Real Madrid players were in action for their respective nations last night in another enthralling set of matches, with Jude Bellingham in particular catching the eye.

Portugal and DR Congo kicked off proceedings with a 1-1 draw on a night Roberto Martinez’s team will want to forget.

England and Croatia then played a thrilling game that ended 4-2 in favour of the Three Lions. It was arguably the best game of the World Cup so far.

Ghana beat Panama 1-0 through a very late goal, while Colombia comfortably got past Uzbekistan with a 3-1 win on the night.

Jude Bellingham for England and Bernardo Silva for Portugal were the two Real Madrid players in action last night, so let us see how they fared.

Bernardo Silva vs Congo

A forgettable outing for Bernardo. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

Los Blancos’ brand-new signing started for Portugal in their 1-1 draw with DR Congo.

Bernardo’s night was short and slightly frustrating. He started on the right in Portugal’s 4-2-3-1 but was replaced by Francisco Conceicao at half-time after a first half in which Portugal had the ball but not enough danger.

His numbers were tidy without being especially damaging. Bernardo had 23 touches, completed 17 of his 18 passes and played four passes into the final third, but he struggled to break down DR Congo’s compact block.

He also received a silly yellow card, which made him a red-card risk very early in the game. For Madrid fans, there is not too much to read into this game.

Bernardo’s value has never been about chaos or raw explosiveness. It is about control, angles and decision-making. This game just did not suit him as a winger.

Jude Bellingham vs Croatia

Bellingham starred for England. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

Bellingham’s evening had far more impact. England beat Croatia 4-2, and the Real Madrid midfielder scored from three shots while also adding three tackles and five recoveries.

That is the version of Bellingham Madrid fans know well: not just a scorer, not just a runner, but a player who fills every part of the pitch with purpose. His goal mattered, but so did the defensive work behind it.

The contrast between the two Madrid-linked storylines was clear. Bernardo had a quiet half in a flat Portugal display, while Bellingham gave England authority in a high-scoring opener.

Bernardo will need sharper games to make his mark on the tournament, but Bellingham has already arrived with the presence of a player ready to shape it.