A Nightmare Start: Two Major South American Stars Banned From the 2026 World Cup Opener | OneFootball

Argentina and Ecuador to miss key players in their first group-stage matches

Photo: Getty Images

The 2026 FIFA World cup will begin without 2 major name as the governing body has officially suspended Argentina’s Nicolas Otamendi and Ecuador’s Moises Caicedo following their red cards in the final round of South American qualifiers.

Harsh Ending to Qualifiers

Otamendi received direct red card after late challenge on Enner Valencia during Argentina’s narrow 1 - 0 defeat to Ecuador.

With no remaining qualifiers before the World cup, FIFA confirmed that his suspension will carry over to the tournament .. ruling him out of Argentina’s opening game.

Caicedo Also Banned

Ecuador’s star midfielder Moises Caicedo will also serve 1 match suspension having been sent off in the same encounter.

His absence will be major blow for Ecuador’s hopes as they prepare for their 5th World cup appearance.

Qualification Recap

Argentina comfortably topped the CONMEBOL qualifying table with 38 point, ahead of Ecuador on 29 securing their spot in the expanded 2026 edition to be co hosted by the U.S, Canada and Mexico.

World Champions Start Without Their Veteran

Lionel Scaloni’s reigning world champions (winners of Qatar 2022 after their memorable final triumph over France) will now begin their title defense without the veteran defender who has been cornerstone of Argentina’s backline for over decade.