World Cup 2026: England star Jude Bellingham slaps Argentina substitute Barco

Jude Bellingham slapped Argentinian substitute Valentin Barco on the back of the head. England lost 2-1 in the World Cup semi-final.

Barco, who did not play in the match, came onto the field towards the end of the match and while he was hugging his teammates near Bellingham, the English midfielder came up to him and slapped him.

Before Bellingham left, a small brawl broke out with players from both sides getting involved.

It is not known what sparked the reaction, but footage shows Barco running on the pitch and celebrating in front of the England players after Enzo Fernandez’s equalizing goal in the 85th minute.

Lautaro Martinez sealed the victory for Argentina in the second minute of stoppage time, ending the hopes of the England team, who had taken the lead early in the second half thanks to Anthony Gordon’s goal.

Barco, 21, who plays for French team Strasbourg and previously played for Brighton, appeared as a second-half substitute once in the tournament, in the 3-1 group win against Jordan.

The first half of the match played in Atlanta on Wednesday was competitive with 19 fouls, and American referee Ismail Elfath had difficulty keeping control.

Bellingham, who scored six goals in the tournament, also came face to face with Argentina captain Lionel Messi in the fourth minute after a foul on English midfielder Elliot Anderson.

“We were actually just discussing a foul,” Bellingham reportedly said. After the match.

“It wasn’t a bad thing. I’m sure everyone will do their part and make a big deal out of it, but nothing happened.”