England's World Cup Run Fuels Beatles' Chart Comeback

England's commendable third-place finish in the 2026 FIFA World Cup has unexpectedly propelled The Beatles' iconic 1968 song, "Hey Jude," back onto the U.K. music charts. The national team's strong performance, which captured the nation's attention, created a wave of patriotic fervor.

This surge in popularity is directly linked to England midfielder Jude Bellingham. Supporters frequently chanted "Hey Jude" during high-profile World Cup matches, transforming the classic track into an unofficial anthem for the star player. The song's connection to Bellingham's success has driven its reappearance on various charts.

"Hey Jude" has re-entered the Official Singles chart at No. 24, its highest position in nearly sixty years. It also charted on the Official Streaming chart at No. 62, marking the band's second appearance after "Now and Then" in November 2023. The single also found success on sales and download charts, re-entering at Nos. 23 and 20, respectively.

Beyond "Hey Jude," other Beatles classics, "I Want to Hold Your Hand" and "Free as a Bird," also reappeared on the Official Physical Singles chart at Nos. 73 and 88, further highlighting the enduring legacy of the band's music.