Headache for Scaloni: Otamendi will miss Argentina's debut in the 2026 World Cup due to suspension
Otamendi will miss the national team's debut in the World Cup
porEditorial Team
Argentina
Meanwhile, due to his expulsion against Ecuador in the last round of the South American Qualifiers, FIFA confirmed a one-match suspension for the defender and a financial fine for the AFA
FIFA officially announced on Tuesday a one-match suspension for Nicolás Otamendi, who will not be able to play in Argentina National Team's debut at the 2026 World Cup. The decision was published in a disciplinary bulletin from the organization, which also imposed a fine of 5,000 Swiss francs (about 6,300 dollars) on AFA.
The sanction corresponds to the straight red card the defender received on the last matchday of the South American Qualifiers, against Ecuador in Guayaquil, for "denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity to the opposing team." In that play, Colombian referee Wilmar Roldán showed him the red card after a foul on Enner Valencia, and VAR confirmed the decision.
According to FIFA regulations, red card suspensions in the qualifying phase are automatically carried over to the final phase of the World Cup, so Otamendi will have to serve his punishment in the first match of the group stage. It should be clarified that, if held, the Finalissima doesn't count toward serving the suspension.
National Team's friendlies
Argentina will play two friendlies in October, against Venezuela (October 10, in Miami) and Puerto Rico (13, in Chicago). Then the team will travel to Africa and Asia for a tour in November before the group stage draw, scheduled for December 5 at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
La Selección arranca con los amistosos este viernes frente a Venezuela
Meanwhile, the 2026 World Cup will begin on June 11 at Estadio Azteca and end on July 19 in New York, in the first tournament in history with 48 national teams and 104 matches.
