Jude Bellingham could face Fifa disciplinary action over post-match ‘slap’ on Argentina player

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The Independent

16 July 2026

England

midfielder

Jude Bellingham

could face disciplinary action from

Fifa

after appearing to strike

Argentina

’s Valentin Barco on the back of the head following their

World Cup

semi-final defeat in Atlanta.

The incident occurred as Barco, an unused substitute, had run onto the field in celebration after

Enzo Fernandez

’s equaliser, pumping his fists along the 18-yard line and receiving a shove from

defender John Stones.

After the final whistle, Bellingham approached Barco as he celebrated with a group of team-mates and appeared to slap him on the back of the head.

The former Brighton player then turned to confront Bellingham before the pair were separated.

open image in gallery

Bellingham approaches Barco after the game (AP)

It remains to be seen whether FIFA’s disciplinary committee will take action against Bellingham and any action could result in a suspension for the third-place play-off against France in Miami on Saturday.

A tense football match, marred by 19 fouls and a distinct lack of attacking play in the first half, culminated in an ugly confrontation between players as

celebrated their victory.

Television footage captured

midfielder Bellingham standing alone on the pitch before shaking hands with the opposition.

Moments later, as Argentina's Barco celebrated with teammates, Bellingham was seen approaching the 21-year-old, who did not feature in Wednesday's game, and slapping him on the back of the head. Barco swiftly retaliated by shoving Bellingham.

Initially, Barco’s teammate Nico Paz attempted to separate the pair, but more players from both sides quickly became involved, escalating the incident into a wider scrap.

Earlier footage suggests a potential catalyst for Bellingham's anger: Barco, reportedly a target for Chelsea, was seen running towards the

dugout after Fernandez’s equaliser, appearing to celebrate directly in front of manager

Thomas Tuchel

, his staff, and the bench.

Downing Street has backed calls for Fifa to investigate whether Argentina’s

squad broke rules by brandishing a banner supporting their country’s claim to the Falkland Islands.

The controversial display followed their 2-1 victory over

in Atlanta on Wednesday.

No 10’s stance echoes earlier comments from Business Secretary

Peter Kyle

, who urged the football governing body to "thoroughly" probe the defending champions’ actions.

Argentina fans celebrated their victory jubilantly on Wednesday, with some near the pitch holding a banner which read “Las Malvinas son Argentinas”, which translates to “The Falkland Islands are Argentinian”.

Argentina players unfurled a banner relating to the Falklands after the game (AP)

The sign, referring to the dispute over the British overseas territory, eventually made its way to the players, who held it up as they revelled in their win.

They are set to face disciplinary action for violating Article 34.3 of the tournament’s rules prohibiting the display of any political messages or slogans by players before, during or after a match.

“The

might not be ours, but the Falkland Islands definitely are,” a Downing Street spokeswoman said.

“Our position is unchanged. Self-determination rests with the islanders.

“Our commitment to the Falklands will never waver.”

Ahead of the

final between

and Spain on Sunday, she said: “The PM wishes both teams well for the final, especially Spain.”

The official said any potential action is a “matter for Fifa”, but asked whether the Prime Minister agrees with his Cabinet minister that there should be an investigation, replied: “I would echo that position.”

Asked whether Downing Street agrees with Mr Kyle’s characterisation of the behaviour as an “egregious violation” of the rules, she added: “Any action taken is a matter for Fifa, I’ll leave it for them.

“I’d point you to the Business Secretary’s words this morning.”

🎥 Lashed out after the match! Why Bellingham hit an Argentine

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