Chelsea fans boo Barco over Mundial 2026 role in debut

Under the bright lights of the Carabao Cup tie at the Chelsea Stadium, Argentine youngster Valentín Barco stepped onto the pitch as a starter against Luton Town, only to be met with whistles and boos from the home crowd because of his role in the controversial Mundial 2026 semifinal between Argentina and England, while Enzo Fernández was absent from the squad.

Background and squad inclusion

Barco, a former Boca Juniors midfielder, joined Chelsea after leaving Racing de Estrasburgo earlier this season. His Argentine roots and participation in the Mundial 2026 semifinal have kept him under intense scrutiny. Enzo Fernández was not listed among the Chelsea squad for the Caraboo Cup tie.

Head coach Xabi Alonso named Barco in the starting eleven for the Blues in his first appearance wearing the Chelsea jersey. The decision placed the young Argentine alongside Estevao in midfield, a pairing that the coach praised for its balance.

World Cup controversy and fan reaction

The boos stemmed from the controversial Mundial 2026 semifinal where Argentina defeated Inglaterra 2-1, with Lautaro Martínez scoring the decisive second goal.

Barco was at the centre of the celebrations after the second Argentine goal, a moment that sparked a strong cross of criticism from English fans.

He was referred to as “COLO” BARCO and FUE EN EL DE CHELSEA crowd, a phrase that echoed through the stadium.

Following the semifinal, Jude Bellingham was reported to have assaulted Barco, an episode linked to the heightened tension after Argentina’s qualification.

Lo que sorprendió a los espectadores fue la rapidez con la que la polémica se trasladó al campo de juego inglés.

In the Carabao Cup match, Barco completed the full 90 minutes, delivering a 93% pass‑completion rate and attempting one shot on goal.

He won both tackles he attempted and emerged victorious in 90% of his duels, showcasing defensive reliability.

The result moved Chelsea into the next round of the Carabao Cup.

Chelsea’s victory secured progression to the next round, where they will meet Leeds United.