FIFA has announced that Gianluca Prestianni, the Benfica winger, will face a global suspension impacting his potential participation in Argentina’s first two matches at the 2026 World Cup. This decision follows a request from UEFA to extend Prestianni’s six-match ban due to an incident involving verbal abuse directed at Vinicius Junior during a Champions League match against Real Madrid in February.
The 20-year-old player was previously sanctioned by UEFA after Vinicius claimed Prestianni used a racist slur against him. Although Prestianni denied making a racist remark, he reportedly stated that he had used a homophobic insult instead.
UEFA’s investigation concluded that Prestianni verbally insulted the Brazilian forward while covering his mouth with his jersey. As a result, a six-match ban was imposed, with three matches suspended on probation.
FIFA’s statement confirmed that they would uphold UEFA’s decision, meaning Prestianni will miss Argentina’s initial matches if he is part of coach Lionel Scaloni’s squad. The defending champions will kick off their World Cup journey on June 17 against Algeria in Kansas City, followed by a match against Austria in Arlington, Texas. The group also includes World Cup newcomers Jordan.
It is uncertain whether Prestianni remains in Scaloni’s plans, as he has only appeared once for the senior Argentina team, doing so in a friendly match last November. He was an unused substitute in the recent warm-up game against Zambia.
Despite the ongoing investigation, Scaloni included Prestianni in Argentina’s March roster, citing the absence of Paulo Dybala as a reason for needing more attacking options. UEFA had looked into allegations that Prestianni used an insulting term while hiding his mouth behind his Benfica jersey. While UEFA could not definitively prove the racist claim, Prestianni acknowledged using a homophobic insult.
Prestianni has already served part of his suspension, missing a Champions League playoff match against Real Madrid in February. Furthermore, recent changes approved by football lawmakers have made it a red-card offense for players to cover their mouths while insulting opponents during a game.
If Prestianni is not included in Argentina’s World Cup squad, he will serve the remaining matches of his suspension during next season’s UEFA competitions.
