FIFA Extends Prestianni Ban Globally — Argentina Winger Could Miss First Two World Cup Group Games

FIFA's Disciplinary Committee ruled on May 6 that the six-game UEFA ban on Argentina winger Gianluca Prestianni (Benfica, 20) is extended to have worldwide effect, ruling him out of Argentina's first two World Cup group matches if selected. The ban stems from a February 17, 2026 Champions League match in which Prestianni admitted to using a homophobic slur against Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid. If included in Scaloni's final 26-man squad (due June 1), Prestianni would miss Group J openers vs. Algeria (June 17) and vs. Austria (June 21) at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, potentially returning for Jordan (June 25). Argentina's preliminary squad (35–55 players) is due to FIFA on May 11.