Romero accused of new ‘provocation’ after Argentina’s dramatic World Cup win over England

Argentina defender Cristian Romero has been accused of repeating a pattern of provocative celebrations after appearing to taunt Jude Bellingham at full-time of their World Cup 2026 semi-final victory over England.

The reigning world champions came from behind to beat England 2-1 in Atlanta on Wednesday night, booking a high-profile final against Spain on Sunday. England will now face France on Saturday in the third-place play-off.

Flashpoint at the final whistle

Immediately after the referee blew for full-time, Romero walked straight towards England midfielder Bellingham and celebrated in front of him, reportedly shouting a few words in his direction.

Bellingham, one of England’s standout players at the tournament and a star for Real Madrid, did not react and instead walked away, avoiding any confrontation.

The incident drew swift attention on social media and among pundits, who highlighted it as another example of Romero’s emotional and combative style on the pitch.

Echoes of episode with Mohamed Salah

Romero’s conduct brought back memories of a similar episode earlier in the tournament when Argentina faced Egypt in the last 16.

On that occasion, the Tottenham Hotspur centre-back headed towards Mohamed Salah after the final whistle and celebrated demonstratively in front of the Egypt captain. As with Bellingham, Salah remained impassive and did not respond.

Observers have suggested that Romero appears to relish celebrations directed at opposition stars, particularly in high-stakes matches, while those on the receiving end have so far refused to be drawn into any escalation.

Tensions also flare with Pickford

The confrontation with Bellingham was not Romero’s only controversial moment against England.

After Enzo Fernandez scored Argentina’s equaliser – their first goal of the night – Romero ran straight towards England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and celebrated in front of him.

That reaction added to an already charged atmosphere in Atlanta, with England having led for much of the match before Argentina turned the game around in the closing stages.

Although the referee and assistants intervened to calm tempers, no cards were shown to Romero for his celebrations.

Argentina eye another world title

Despite the post-match controversy, Argentina’s focus is now firmly on the final, where they will face an in-form Spain side chasing their second World Cup crown.

The showdown is scheduled for Sunday and is expected to be one of the marquee fixtures in recent World Cup history, with Argentina seeking to retain the title they won in 2022.

England, who came agonisingly close to reaching another final, must now lift themselves for Saturday’s third-place match against France, a meeting of two European heavyweights who both fell just short of the tournament’s showpiece.

As Romero prepares for another high-pressure encounter, scrutiny is likely to remain on his on-field behaviour as much as on his defensive performances, after a World Cup campaign marked not only by decisive play but by celebrations that have repeatedly pushed the boundaries of sportsmanship.