FIFA has officially expanded the sanctions against Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni to a global level. The decision could force the Argentina player to miss the opening two matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States if he is included in Argentina’s squad.
The punishment follows UEFA’s six-match suspension, with three of those matches suspended conditionally.
Found Guilty of Verbal Abuse in the Champions League
The sanction was imposed after Prestianni was found guilty of verbally abusing Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior during a UEFA Champions League match.
During the investigation, Vinícius received support from his teammate, Kylian Mbappé.
UEFA initially investigated the possibility of racist abuse but found insufficient evidence. However, Prestianni admitted to using homophobic language.
During the incident, Prestianni was seen covering his mouth with his jersey while making the remarks. FIFA later approved UEFA’s request to extend the suspension worldwide, making it applicable across all official competitions, including next month’s FIFA World Cup.
Official FIFA Statement
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has decided to extend the six-match suspension imposed by UEFA so that it applies globally.
Previously, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni declined to comment on UEFA’s ongoing investigation. He only emphasized the national team’s need for Prestianni, especially following the absence of Paulo Dybala.
Meanwhile, IFAB, football’s law-making body, has also approved a new regulation under which players who cover their mouths while insulting opponents can receive a red card during the World Cup.
Prestianni’s Position in the Argentina Squad
It remains uncertain whether Scaloni will still include Prestianni in Argentina’s squad as they attempt to defend their world title.
Argentina is scheduled to open the tournament against Algeria on June 17, 2026, in Kansas City before facing Austria five days later in Arlington. The group also includes Jordan, who are set to make their World Cup debut.
The 20-year-old has made only one appearance for Argentina’s senior national team, in a friendly match last November. He was also called up in March but remained on the bench during Argentina’s friendly against Zambia.
Prestianni had already served one match of his suspension after missing the second leg of Benfica’s Champions League knockout playoff against Real Madrid in February.
If he is not selected for Argentina’s World Cup squad, the remainder of the suspension will be served in UEFA club competitions next season.
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