Argentina's World Cup hopes could take an early hit as rising star Gianluca Prestianni faces the possibility of missing the team's opening group stage matches. FIFA has officially extended the Benfica winger's six-game suspension for homophobic conduct to apply worldwide, meaning any competitive international appearances could be off-limits.

The 20-year-old was handed the ban by UEFA following an incident during February's Champions League playoff clash, where he was accused of directing a slur at Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr. Real won that match 1-0, but the fallout has been far-reaching. A FIFA spokesperson confirmed Wednesday that the Disciplinary Committee decided to extend the sanction "in accordance with article 70 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code," after UEFA formally requested the worldwide application.

For Argentina, the timing couldn't be more critical. The ban covers UEFA club competition games and competitive international matches—though not friendlies or domestic league fixtures. If Prestianni earns a spot in the World Cup squad, he would be forced to sit out Argentina's first two group stage games against Algeria on June 16, followed by matches versus Austria and Jordan.

UEFA originally imposed the six-match suspension for discriminatory conduct, with three of those games suspended during a probationary period. Prestianni has already served one match of the ban—a provisional suspension that kept him out of the second leg against Real Madrid.

Despite the setback, Prestianni remains a promising talent with limited international experience. His only cap for Argentina came as a late substitute in a November friendly against Angola. Whether he makes the final World Cup roster will depend on how the suspension timeline aligns with the tournament, but for now, the young winger's path to representing his country on the biggest stage faces a serious hurdle.