New footage shows the real reason Jude Bellingham slapped Argentina star after World Cup heartbreak

Bellingham’s “random” outburst has a backstory

Following the final whistle, Bellingham was seen standing near a group of Argentine players as they celebrated their win. 

Moments later, he walked over and appeared to strike Valentín Barco, one of Argentina’s substitutes, on the back of the head, prompting Barco to immediately react by pushing him away.

Footage obtained by Spanish outlet Diario AS appeared to show the incident, which quickly sparked a heated confrontation involving players from both sides.

😱 ¡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

However, newly released footage has added more context to the exchange, suggesting the moment may not have happened completely out of nowhere.

According to the footage, Barco sprinted towards the England dugout after Fernández’s equaliser, appearing to celebrate directly in front of Tuchel, his coaching staff and the substitutes’ bench. 

The exchange quickly became heated, with Barco seen receiving a strong shove from John Stones before eventually making his way back towards the Argentine bench.

Valentin Barco ran onto the pitch to celebrate after Enzo Fernandez scored against England 👀 pic.twitter.com/gMYYZn7LxL

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 16, 2026

This could explain what may have sparked Bellingham’s anger after the match ended.

It is not yet known whether FIFA will decide to punish Bellingham over the incident, with any potential action likely to depend on their review of the footage. 

Under football regulations, making deliberate contact with an opponent’s head can be considered an offence, although officials can take into account the level of force involved, with minimal contact not automatically leading to a red card.