Nicolás Otamendi has received good news ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after FIFA granted the defender amnesty following his red card against Ecuador in Argentina’s final World Cup qualifying match.
The decision means the Argentina national football team center back will now be available for the Albiceleste’s opening World Cup match against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas.
Otamendi had originally been expected to miss the match due to suspension after being sent off in September during Argentina’s final qualifier. The Benfica defender brought down Enner Valencia near the edge of the penalty area as the Ecuador striker was through on goal. Referee Wilmar Roldán immediately showed a red card without consulting VAR, marking Otamendi’s first-ever sending off with Argentina.
Because Argentina did not play another official match afterward — with the planned Finalissima in March ultimately canceled — Otamendi was set to serve the suspension in Argentina’s World Cup opener.
However, FIFA accepted a request from the Argentine Football Association and granted the experienced defender amnesty, clearing him to play in the first match of Group J.
