FIFA extends Benfica’s Prestianni ban to World Cup games after racism row with Vinicius | OneFootball

FIFA has confirmed that Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni will carry his ban into the upcoming World Cup tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

According to ESPN, the ban will rule the 20-year-old winger out of Argentina’s opening two World Cup games if he’s selected in the squad.

Prestianni was handed a six-match ban by UEFA after verbally abusing Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr during their Champions League clash.

Three of those matches were deferred on probation, but the others still carry significant consequences. 

UEFA has been pushing FIFA to extend the ban beyond European competitions to the World Cup, which starts next month, and the global governing body has fulfilled that request.

The latest decision further complicates Prestianni’s chances of making Argentina’s World Cup squad.

He made his senior debut for La Albiceleste in a 2-0 international friendly victory over Angola in November 2025, coming on for the final nine minutes of the game.

Prestianni hasn’t represented his country since, and his form this season suggests he could be overlooked for the World Cup even if the ban didn’t apply.

Despite featuring 39 times across all competitions for Benfica, Prestianni has only bagged three goals and five assists.

Prestianni was accused of using offensive language while attempting to hide his words by covering his mouth with his shirt. 

That prompted an immediate investigation fuelled by Kylian Mbappe’s testimony, claiming that Prestianni used a racial slur on Vinicius five times.

Allegations of racist language could not be proven, but Prestianni admitted to using an anti-gay slur, which ultimately led to disciplinary action.

Football authorities have subsequently tightened regulations around player conduct. 

A recent rule change approved by IFAB will now treat attempts to conceal verbal insults, such as covering the mouth, as a red-card offence during matches.

If Prestianni does not make Argentina’s World Cup squad, he will serve the remainder of his suspension in European competition next season.