Why did Jude Bellingham slap Valentin Barco? New World Cup footage may have clue

Seth Vertelney, USA TODAYThu, July 16, 2026 at 4:16 PM UTC

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ATLANTA — England midfielder Jude Bellingham slapped Argentina winger Valentin Barco on the back of the head after Wednesday's World Cup semifinal. Some new footage may explain the cause of Bellingham's anger.

England fell to a devastating defeat in the semifinal matchup, seeing Argentina score two goals in the final minutes of the match to turn a one-goal deficit into a 2-1 victory.

The first of those two goals was scored by Enzo Fernandez, who unleashed a long-range strike in the 85th minute to level the match.

After the ball hit the back of the net, Argentina's bench flooded onto the pitch in wild celebrations. But one player didn't join his teammates and instead made a beeline for England's players.

That player was Barco, who ran directly past England defender Nico O'Reilly before John Stones gave him a shove.

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After Fernandez's goal, substitute Lautaro Martinez headed home in the 92nd minute to give Argentina the win.

As England's players stood on the pitch in a daze at the final whistle, Bellingham noticed Barco celebrating nearby with his teammates.

The England star went over and delivered a slap to the back of Barco's head, sparking a confrontation between England and Argentina players.

Barco has played in one match at the 2026 World Cup thus far, coming off the bench in Argentina's 3-1 win over Jordan to close out the group stage.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jude Bellingham slap on Valentin Barco: England star angry after World Cup semifinal

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Source: “AOL Sports”