England's World Cup campaign ended in a 2-1 semi-final defeat to Argentina, dashing the widespread pre-match optimism as fans who had gathered early in pubs and fan zones across the country watched the team fall just short of the final. The result triggered strong reactions both on and off the pitch, including a moment in which Jude Bellingham was filmed slapping Argentina's Valentin Barco during the post-match celebrations, and sparked disorder in central London, where a TikTok prankster wearing an Argentina shirt had to be rescued by police from a hostile crowd of England supporters in Piccadilly Circus.

The defeat also fed into wider controversy, with Downing Street calling on FIFA to investigate an Argentina banner referencing the "Malvinas" (Falklands), and English fans accusing officials of favouring Argentina after a goalscorer avoided a red card for an elbow during the game. Manager Thomas Tuchel came under scrutiny afterwards, with pundits including Gary Neville and Roy Keane criticising his decision not to substitute Harry Kane, while a public poll was launched questioning whether he should continue in the role following England's exit from the tournament.