FIFA Bans Argentina Player from 2026 World Cup
Argentine midfielder Juan Luciano Prestianni faces a two-match ban at the 2026 World Cup after FIFA extended his suspension for making derogatory remarks about Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior during a Champions League match.
FIFA has confirmed the extension of a ban on Juan Luciano Prestianni, an Argentine national team player, from the 2026 World Cup at UEFA's request. This decision compels the Argentine national team to drop Prestianni from their roster after FIFA extended his worldwide ban. If he is included in Argentina's squad, he would be banned from two World Cup matches, following UEFA's original six-match suspension imposed for making derogatory remarks toward Real Madrid player Vinicius Junior during a UEFA Champions League match.
"FIFA's disciplinary committee has decided to extend the six-match ban imposed by UEFA on Juan Luciano Prestianni, a player from Benfica, to have worldwide effect," FIFA stated in its announcement.
However, if coach Lionel Scaloni decides to call up Prestianni anyway, he would be unable to play in the opening match against Algeria on June 17 and the match against Austria five days later. He could only debut in the final group stage match against Jordan on June 28. If he is not selected for the World Cup squad, Prestianni must serve the remainder of his ban in UEFA-sanctioned competitions during the 2026/27 season.
