New video footage appears to show the moments leading up to England's Jude Bellingham striking Argentina's Valentín Barco following Wednesday's World Cup semifinal match. The incident occurred after Lautaro Martínez scored the game-winning goal in stoppage time, securing a 2-1 victory for Argentina and eliminating England.
After Enzo Fernández's equalizer in the 85th minute, several Argentine substitutes ran onto the pitch to celebrate. Barco, who did not play in the match, joined the celebration and reportedly ran directly towards the path of England's players, jumping and cheering in front of them. Replays suggest Barco intended to taunt the defeated English team.
Moments later, Bellingham approached Barco and two other Argentine players. Bellingham then struck Barco on the back of the head, provoking an angry reaction from the Argentine player. Barco attempted to push Bellingham away, but the altercation escalated with shoving between the players. Argentina's Nicolás Otamendi eventually intervened, pushing Bellingham away.
England had taken a 1-0 lead in the 55th minute with a goal from Anthony Gordon but were unable to extend their advantage. The team's offense stagnated, leading to their eventual defeat after Fernández's equalizer and Martínez's late winner.
Despite the controversial ending, the 2026 World Cup was a successful tournament for Bellingham individually. He scored six goals on 17 shots throughout the competition, including two goals in the Round of 16 against Mexico and two more in the quarterfinals against Norway.