England’s emotions were at a new low following their heart-wrenching 2-1 World Cup semifinal loss to Argentina, but emotions appear to have gotten the best of Jude Bellingham.
While Argentina celebrated on the pitch near the Real Madrid star, who was standing still and pensively looking onwards in an effort to come to terms with what had just happened during the match, Bellingham was caught walking up to a young Argentinian player and hitting him on the back of the head.
At the current time, it is unclear whether or not 21-year-old Valentin Barco said anything to Bellingham that provoked a reaction.
Here’s a look at England’s star, who appeared to hit Barco after the loss.
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Jude Bellingham slaps Argentina player
After England blew their 1-0 lead over Argentina in the World Cup semifinal, Bellingham stood on the pitch, shocked at what he had just witnessed. After months of preparation, six goals of his own, and a lead into the 80th minute of play today, the Three Lions just could not get the job done.
While Argentina celebrated on the pitch near Bellingham, one player, Barco, seemed to catch the English midfielder’s eye. The Real Madrid star approached the young Argentine and was seen hitting him in the back of the head. Here’s a look at what Fox’s cameras caught:
Jude Bellingham had words for Argentina after the match pic.twitter.com/FvCjgmF8Eo
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 15, 2026
Here is a fan’s view of the altercation, which sparked immediate outcry from the Argentinian side present near Barco.
😱 ¡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
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