What could happen to Jude Bellingham as new footage of him 'slapping' Argentina player during post-match clash emerges

Footage shows Jude Bellingham appearing to slap Argentine substitute Valentin Barco around the back of the head after the final whistle - and this is what could happen to him as a result.

Like most England fans, the Real Madrid midfielder would've been frustrated after England came up short against Lionel Messi’s men in what's becoming a very familiar story at tournaments.

Following the 2-1 World Cup semi-final loss, the 23-year-old approached Barco, who was celebrating with his teammates on the field after the game.

As yet another player approached Bellingham to shake his hand, he then walked up to the Strasbourg midfielder and appeared to slap him around the back of the head. Barco responded by shoving him away and was backed up by former Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi.

So, what does this mean for England's favourite?

Bellingham could face a retrospective ban by FIFA should the incident be investigated.

Bellingham faces potential ban

If a player slaps an opponent after the match, FIFA treats this as a disciplinary matter.

The minimum sanction, if the slap is considered violent conduct, is a three-match suspension.

However, if the slap amounts to assault, including hitting an opponent, the minimum sanction is a three-match suspension or an appropriate period of time, and FIFA may also impose a fine depending on the severity.

😱 ¡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

In practice, FIFA's Disciplinary Committee considers factors such as whether the act was intentional, the force used, whether it provoked further violence and any mitigating or aggravating circumstances.

Bellingham addresses clash with Messi

During the first half, Bellingham was seen having a fiery exchange with the eventual man of the match.

"[We were] discussing a foul, actually," he told reporters. "But it was nothing bad. I'm sure everyone will do their thing and make it a big deal. But no, it was nothing really.

"I thought there was a foul earlier and he said, 'Well what about the one on me?' and I was kind of saying, 'You're strong enough to take it,' you know what I mean?"

Even though he and his teammates were devastated with the outcome of the match, Bellingham acknowledged that it was still an honour to share the field with a player many consider to be the greatest of all time.

"It's a privilege to play against [Messi]," Bellingham added.

"There was nothing against him. I'm obviously on the losing side which hurts a lot, but it's a privilege to go against him."

I agree that Tuchel was at fault.

But whatever tf Bellingham said to Messi here was also a factor…. 😂 pic.twitter.com/gmdrYgA1PB

— Castro1021 (@Castro1021) July 15, 2026

Tuchel’s tactics slammed

Many fans are in agreement that the England manager’s decision to go more defensive after going 1-0 up is ultimately what cost us in the end.

Although Thomas Tuchel has defended his tactics, Wayne Rooney felt that England’s capitulation began after going ahead.

"It started from the manager and the decisions he made. It was too passive," England’s second all-time leading goalscorer said during BBC’s coverage.

"Against this team, the world champions, you will not get away with it. This has been the biggest test and we have failed it. I felt the changes we made at 1-0, that if Argentina scored we wouldn't make extra time."

The scores every time England have played Argentina

2005 - Friendly - England 3 - 2 Argentina

2002 - World Cup, group stage - England 1 - 0 Argentina

2000 - Friendly - England 0 - 0 Argentina

1998 - World Cup, round of 16 - England 3 - 4 Argentina (penalties) - David Beckham red-carded

1991 - England Challenge Cup - England 2 - 2 Argentina

1986 - World Cup, quarter-finals - England 1 - 2 Argentina - Diego Maradona's 'hand of God' goal

1980 - Friendly - England 3 - 1 Argentina

1977 - Friendly - England 1 - 1 Argentina

1974 - Friendly - England 2 - 2 Argentina

1966 - World Cup, quarter-final - England 1 - 0 Argentina - referred to by Argentina as 'the theft of the century'

1964 - Taça das Nações - England 0 - 1 Argentina

1962 - World Cup, group stage - England 3 - 1 Argentina

1953 - Friendly - England 0 - 0 Argentina

1953 - Friendly - England 1 - 3 Argentina

1951 - Friendly - England 2 - 1 Argentina

England has won 60 percent of their World Cup clashes with Argentina.

Of their games overall, England has won 40 percent, Argentina 27 percent, and the rest have been draws.