FIFA has extended Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni's six-match ban worldwide, putting his World Cup participation in serious doubt. The Argentina international received the original ban from UEFA for discriminatory conduct towards Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior during February's Champions League tie. If selected for the tournament, he could miss the holders' opening two Group J matches against Algeria and Austria.

The disciplinary committee granted UEFA's request to apply the punishment beyond European competitions. UEFA stated the ban covered homophobic abuse. Three of the six matches are suspended for two years, and Prestianni already served one game as a provisional suspension, meaning only two matches remain active unless he triggers the suspended portion.

Prestianni has only one senior cap for Argentina but was called up for their recent friendly with Zambia in March. The ban does not affect domestic league matches in Portugal or friendly games, so if he isn't selected for the World Cup, it would apply to his next two UEFA club competition appearances next season.