FIFA is facing growing calls to review the incident after cameras appeared to catch Jude Bellingham making contact with Argentina's Valentin Barco following England's heartbreaking semi-final defeat. While the footage has fueled speculation over possible disciplinary action, the debate has quickly shifted beyond the split-second moment itself

JUDE BELLINGHAM gave an Argentina player a slap after England’s World Cup heartbreak.

The Three Lions crashed out in the semi-finals in Atlanta after two late goals.

A group of soccer players embracing in a huddle. — Jude Bellingham slapped Valentin Barco after the final whistle Credit: BBC

A soccer player wearing a white jersey with "BELLINGHAM 10" on the back. — Bellingham and Barco squared up after the slap Credit: BBC

Tensions boiled over a number of times in a fiery clash between old rivals.

And Real Madrid star Bellingham apparently lost his cool after the final whistle.

Argentina were celebrating their 2-1 win and booking a place in the World Cup final.

And TV cameras captured Bellingham slapping Valentin Barco on the back of the head.

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The players were quickly separated as Bellingham had a few more words for his opponent.

Bellingham’s reaction was not spotted by any of the match officials.

But it opens him up to potential disciplinary action by Fifa, who have already been accused of operating double standards in the competition.

Bellingham could even face a ban – ruling him out of Saturday’s third-place game with France in Miami.

England v Argentina - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Semi Final - Atlanta Stadium — Jude Bellingham was emotional after England’s defeat in the semi-final Credit: PA

England v Argentina: Semi Final - FIFA World Cup 2026 — The Real Madrid midfielder was devastated as England’s bid for World Cup glory ended Credit: Getty

ENGLAND’s bid to reach their first World Cup final since 1966 ended in a heartbreaking, yet predictable, defeat to Argentina.

Thomas Tuchel’s side suffered a devastating 2-1 defeat to Lionel Messi and Co at the Atlanta Stadium this evening.

Anthony Gordon sent the travelling Three Lions fans into a state of ecstasy in the 53rd minute when he ghosted in at the back post to tap the ball home inside the 18-yard box.

England tried to protect their lead as Thomas Tuchel made a host of defensive substitutions.

And they inevitably sat way too deep, allowing Enzo Fernandez to rifle the ball past Jordan Pickford in the 85th minute with a rocket from outside the 18-yard-box.

England were shell-shocked and never looked like holding out until extra-time.

And super-sub Lautaro Martinez was at hand to break Three Lions fans’ hearts across the globe with a free header at the back post in the 92nd minute.

It is more likely, though, that Fifa will choose to let the incident pass without any action.

Alternatively, Bellingham could be hit with a fine – which might be suspended.

Fifa have been asked for comment and have yet to respond.

Bellingham was seen in tears after the final whistle blew and England’s hopes of World Cup glory ended.

Morgan Rogers was also involved in a flashpoint at full-time.

A crowd of bodies started pushing and shoving in the centre circle.

England backup goalie Dean Henderson was among those trying to bring some calm.

Rogers was close to referee Ismail Elfath as he got shown away.

James Trafford and Ivan Toney were also acting as peacemakers with Rogers kept back from Lisandro Martinez.

Argentina’s own No2 Juan Musso was another Rogers appeared to take issue with.

He tried to approach the Argentina players immediately after Elfath ended the feisty tie.

Bellingham had been consoling Nico O’Reilly on the grass before he jumped in to help his team-mates.

Toney had his arms around Gonzalo Montiel as Dan Burn was surrounded by Enzo Fernandez and Cristian Romero.