Queiroz accuses Bellingham of sparking half-time bust-up with X-rated outburst in England's World Cup draw with Ghana

Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz publicly accused Jude Bellingham of instigating a heated sideline confrontation during England’s World Cup Group L stalemate against Ghana, claiming the Real Madrid midfielder’s expletive-laden outburst escalated tensions at half-time.

The flashpoint came after Bellingham escaped a yellow card for a challenge on Jerome Opoku near the dugouts. Queiroz, visibly agitated, was held back by his own staff as he directed a furious response at the England midfielder. The former Manchester United assistant coach was unambiguous in laying the blame at Bellingham’s feet.

“He had a bad reaction with some bad names,” Queiroz said. “My intention was to tell him to cool down with that tackle. He went with his foot against my player. But my first goal was to cool down because I was worried that the player was not in 100% health. In the middle of the emotional moment, these things are normal. He swears and that created more tension. It’s football, it’s nothing special. One word created a bit of fire but we cooled down. Football is not dancing in a saloon with tuxedos. It’s not a show.”

Bellingham offered a more measured account after the final whistle, acknowledging the foul but pushing back on the suggestion the incident was anything more than competitive heat. The 22-year-old also noted he recognised Queiroz from his time at Old Trafford.

“It was just when I made a silly tackle, to be honest,” Bellingham said. “I was trying to win the ball, and I followed through a little bit and caught the lad. I spoke to him after, and then their bench jumped up trying to get me a yellow card. I just recognised him — he’s obviously the one who used to be at Manchester United, so great respect, and nothing but a competitive edge for both of us.”

England manager Thomas Tuchel backed his player, framing the exchange as a natural expression of competitive instinct rather than a disciplinary concern.

“It was an exchange of emotions, and Jude stood up for himself and his team,” Tuchel said. “Emotions are a part of the game but we don’t want to get distracted with stuff that could distract us.”

The draw left England frustrated in Group L, with Tuchel’s side unable to break down a disciplined Ghana defensive block in their second tournament outing.