Jude Bellingham slaps Argentina star after England's World Cup exit

Jude Bellingham was involved in a heated exchange after England’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina (Shutterstock)

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.

o bellingham

pic.twitter.com/4VikaF72Wp

— any 🇧🇷 (@anyczx)

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)

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.

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A sad and familiar World Cup ending reveals regrets for England and Thomas Tuchel:Argentina came from behind to beat England 2-1 in the World Cup semi-final. Lionel Messi provided two late assists, including for Lautaro Martinez's winner, after Enzo Fernandez's equalizer canceled out Anthony Gordon's opener.

Lisandro Martinez helps Argentina storm into World Cup final:Lisandro Martinez and Argentina advanced to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final with a dramatic 2-1 semi-final victory over England, sealed by Lautaro Martinez's injury-time winner.

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Jude Bellingham slaps Argentina star after England's World Cup exit

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