FIFA Extends Ban on Argentina’s Gianluca Prestianni Ahead of World Cup

Argentina forward Gianluca Prestianni may miss the first two matches of this summer’s World Cup after FIFA agreed to extend his ban for verbally abusing Brazil’s Vinicius Junior.

UEFA suspended Prestianni, 20, for six matches due to an incident on February 17. While playing for Portugal’s Benfica in a Champions League match, he faced accusations of racially abusing the Real Madrid forward.

Prestianni denied using a racial slur—UEFA could not provide proof as he held his jersey over his mouth—but he did admit to making a homophobic remark.

On Wednesday, FIFA granted UEFA’s request to apply the ban beyond European competitions.

“The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has decided to extend the six-match ban imposed by UEFA … to have worldwide effect,” FIFA stated.

Prestianni has already served one match of the six-game ban, with three games suspended for a two-year period.

It remains uncertain whether he will be included on the defending champions’ roster for the 2026 World Cup in North America. His only appearance for Argentina to date was a friendly match in November against Angola.

Argentina is set to open play in Group J against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City, followed by matches against Austria on June 22 in Arlington, Texas, and Jordan on June 27, also in Arlington.