New footage has offered fresh context to why Jude Bellingham appeared to slap Argentina's Valentin Barco following England’s World Cup semi-final defeat.
Amid Argentina’s post-match celebrations in Atalanta, clips soon circulated of Bellingham hitting Barco seemingly without provocation on the back of the head as the defender - who did not play in the game - joined his team-mates on the pitch, prompting an angry response from the Argentina defender and those around him.
The pair exchanged words before teammates from both sides stepped in to prevent the confrontation from escalating further. Nicolas Otamendi was among the Argentina players who intervened to separate them as the likes of James Trafford of England also rushed in.
But now new footage appears to suggest where Bellingham’s motive came from.
😱 ¡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
Valentin Barco ran onto the pitch to celebrate after Enzo Fernandez scored against England 👀 pic.twitter.com/gMYYZn7LxL
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 16, 2026
Barco appears to be seen running onto the pitch following on Argentina’s late goals, away from the rest of the squad, and celebrating enthusiastically in front of the England players. John Stones appears to push him Barco away as tensions rose.
The incident took place shortly after England suffered a painful collapse in the semi-final.
Thomas Tuchel's side had taken the lead through Anthony Gordon but conceded twice late in the game, with Enzo Fernandez equalising before Lautaro Martínez scored the winner in injury time to send the reigning champions into the World Cup final against Spain.
Although match officials did not punish the altercation during or immediately after the game, the incident has attracted significant attention. FIFA could review the footage and determine whether retrospective disciplinary action is necessary, although no official decision has yet been announced.
