16 July 2026 , 09:36
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Jude Bellingham was caught slapping Argentina midfielder Valentin Barco on the head in the immediate aftermath of England’s World Cup semi-final defeat.
England missed out on a place in the World Cup final against Spain after throwing away a one-goal lead against Argentina. Anthony Gordon put Thomas Tuchel’s side ahead in the 55th minute but a second-half collapse saw Enzo Fernandez equalise before Lautaro Martinez sealed Argentina’s 2-1 win in the second minute of injury time.
In an ill-tempered game in Atlanta which saw 26 fouls, frustrations boiled over after the full-time whistle with Bellingham involved in a confrontation with Barco, who was an unused substitute for Argentina.
As Barco joined a group hug with Argentina’s match-winner Martinez, Bellingham, who was stood nearby, walked over and slapped the 21-year-old on the back of the head.
Barco reacted angrily and Bellingham was initially separated by Argentina midfielder Nico Paz before Nicolas Otamendi rushed in and pushed the England midfielder in the chest.
Full time frustration for Jude Bellingham and England at the final whistle ???????????????????????????????? pic.twitter.com/US08MgOi49
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) July 15, 2026
England’s two reserve goalkeepers, James Trafford and Dean Henderson, then raced in confront Otamendi.
Bellingham was then led away from the confrontation by England striker Ollie Watkins.
???? ¡EL ENGANCHÓN DE BELLINGHAM CON LOS JUGADORES DE ARGENTINA TRAS EL FINAL!#NuestroMejorMundial #NuestroMejorMundialAS @jfelixdiaz @as_tv pic.twitter.com/9Y8rlgG2TL
— Diario AS (@diarioas) July 15, 2026
Bellingham could now face a sanction from FIFA and a potential suspension for England’s World Cup third-placed play-off against France this weekend.
England will return to Miami for their game against France, which kicks off at 10pm BST on Saturday.
Technology & Business Editor