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International Business Times UK
International Business Times UK
Adrienne Martinez

Why Did Jude Bellingham Slap an Argentina Player? Viral World Cup Incident Explained

Jude Bellingham Valentín Barco Argentina World Cup Fifa England Enzo Fernández
England midfielder Jude Bellingham became the centre of controversy following a heated exchange with Argentina substitute Valentín Barco (Credit: Jude Bellingham/Instagram)

England's 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final has been overshadowed by a viral post-match incident involving Jude Bellingham after television cameras appeared to capture the England midfielder striking Argentina substitute Valentín Barco during a heated confrontation.

The footage spread rapidly across social media, prompting widespread speculation over what triggered the clash. Neither Bellingham nor FIFA has publicly commented on the incident.

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