FIFA suspended a starting player in the Argentine defense after an expulsion in the South American Qualifiers.
The defender Nicolas Otamendi will not be able to be present on the first date of the World Cup 2026. The FIFA Disciplinary Commission He was suspended for one game after the expulsion suffered on the last day of the South American Qualifiers, in the duel against Ecuador in Guayaquil.
The direct red card came 30 minutes into the first half, when Otamendi knocked down Enner Valenciastopping a clear scoring chance. The Colombian referee Wilmar Roldan decided to expel him immediately, marking the first expulsion of the defender in 128 games with the National Team shirt.
Nicolás Otamendi will miss the first match but will be able to play in the Finalissima
Despite the sanction, Otamendi may be available for the Finalissima 2026 against Spain, which will be played in March and will pit the American champion against the European champion. FIFA confirmed this Tuesday that the suspension will only be for one match, which means that the player will not be in the World Cup opener, but will be able to participate in the following matches of the tournament.
The absence of the defender generates a setback for Lionel Scaloniwhich must adjust the lineup for the debut of the Argentine National Team. However, Otamendi continues to be one of the team’s leaders, especially in defense, and maintains the full confidence of the coaching staff ahead of the World Cup event that will take place in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
During the Qualifiers, the defender of the Benfica He established himself as one of the most consistent players of the cycle, showing solidity in each game and being a key piece in the national team’s defensive structure. His experience and leadership will be fundamental for the matches after the debut, in which Argentina will seek to establish itself as a candidate for the title.
Source: Ambito
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