FIFA Extends Prestianni Ban to World Cup — Argentina Winger Could Miss First Two Group Matches

FIFA's Disciplinary Committee ruled on May 6 that the six-game UEFA ban imposed on Argentina winger Gianluca Prestianni (Benfica, 20) will be 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 UEFA Champions League match where Prestianni admitted to using a homophobic slur directed at Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid. FIFA's extension makes the ban applicable to all FIFA-sanctioned competitions, not just European matches. If selected by coach Lionel Scaloni in the final 26-man squad (due June 1), Prestianni would miss Argentina's Group J openers vs. Algeria (June 17) and vs. Austria (June 21) at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, potentially returning for the third group match vs. Jordan (June 25). Argentina are the defending World Cup champions and are expected to include Prestianni in their preliminary squad (due May 11) pending appeal.