England midfielder Jude Bellingham allegedly slapped the back of Argentina player Valentín Barco's head following England's World Cup semifinal defeat. Barco, an unused substitute, had entered the field to celebrate Enzo Fernández's equalizer. After the match concluded, Bellingham approached Barco, who was celebrating with teammates, and appeared to strike the back of his head. The incident escalated when Barco turned to confront Bellingham before they were separated.

According to IFAB rules, deliberately striking an opponent on the head or face with the hand or arm, when not challenging for the ball, is considered violent conduct unless the force was negligible. Bellingham, 23, could face disciplinary action from FIFA if the alleged slap is deemed violent conduct. Such a charge might lead to a suspension for England's bronze medal match against France in Miami on Saturday.