Jude Bellingham appeared to slap Argentina midfielder Valentin Barco on the back of the head moments after England’s defeat in the World Cup semi-final.
England’s hopes of reaching the World Cup final against Spain were dashed after surrendering a one-goal advantage to Argentina.
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Anthony Gordon gave Thomas Tuchel’s men the lead in the 55th minute, but the game turned after the break as Enzo Fernandez restored parity before Lautaro Martinez struck a dramatic winner in the second minute of stoppage time to hand Argentina a 2-1 victory.
The tense encounter in Atlanta featured 26 fouls, and emotions spilled over once the final whistle was blown, with Bellingham becoming involved in an altercation with Barco, who remained on the bench throughout the match.
As Barco celebrated with Argentina’s hero Martinez in a group embrace, Bellingham, standing close by, approached and slapped the 21-year-old on the back of the head.
This is what the media won’t show you, this angle says it all, Barco said a profaned word to Bellingham after the match that made Bellingham hit Barco.
The angles of circulating doesn’t do justice to Bellingham at all. Argentina really hates blacks you can’t tell me otherwise. pic.twitter.com/U3pzfcTRbs
— Commodore. (@TheWavyRedd) July 15, 2026
Barco immediately responded with anger, while Argentina midfielder Nico Paz initially stepped in to separate the pair before Nicolas Otamendi charged over and shoved the England star in the chest.
England’s backup goalkeepers, James Trafford and Dean Henderson, quickly intervened and confronted Otamendi.
Bellingham was eventually escorted away from the incident by England forward Ollie Watkins.
The England midfielder could now face disciplinary action from FIFA, with the possibility of being suspended for England’s World Cup third-place play-off against France this weekend.
England are set to return to Miami for their clash with France, which is scheduled to kick off at 10pm BST on Saturday.
