Jude Bellingham slaps Argentina player after England’s World Cup collapse in heated scene
Someone isn’t taking their World Cup collapse well.
Moments after England’s heartbreaking 2-1 loss to Argentina in the World Cup semifinals Wednesday in Atlanta, Jude Bellingham let his emotions get the best of him and slapped Argentina’s Valentín Barco.
After Barco and teammates Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez linked arms, Bellingham approached the trio and struck Barco around the back of the head, leading to an incensed response.
Barco immediately retaliated and pushed Bellingham away, but the England star was still having words with Argentina.
Others joined in before Argentina’s Nicolás Otamendi stepped in to push Bellingham out for good.
While nothing has been revealed about why Bellingham initiated the fight, the Real Madrid star was watching Argentina’s celebrations before hitting Barco. Eventually, Bellingham and Argentina’s all-world star Lionel Messi embraced after the match.
Despite leading Argentina 1-0 in the 85th minute, England collapsed, allowing two goals in six minutes to seal their World Cup fate.
Even with England’s loss, Bellingham emerged as a star for the country throughout the tournament, scoring six goals on 17 shots with an assist.
loss to Argentina. FIFA via Getty Images
The midfielder scored twice against Mexico in the round of 16 and twice against Norway in the quarterfinals.
Bellingham’s heroics come after he scored just one goal in the 2022 World Cup, where England bowed out in the quarterfinals.
Though 2026 was the furthest England had been in two World Cups, the country’s 60-year title drought remained with the loss.
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