Argentina’s Football Association has officially begun efforts to have Nicolás Otamendi available for the team’s opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The AFA confirmed on Wednesday that it submitted a formal request to FIFA’s Bureau seeking amnesty for the veteran defender, who is currently suspended for one match following his red card against Ecuador in Argentina’s final 2025 World Cup qualifying match.

Otamendi was sent off during Argentina’s away match against Ecuador in September 2025 and, under FIFA regulations, is expected to serve the suspension during Argentina’s World Cup opener against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas.

However, with a month remaining before the start of the tournament, the AFA is attempting to overturn the suspension in hopes of having the experienced center back available for Lionel Scaloni’s squad.

“The Argentine Football Association, through its president Claudio Tapia, carried out negotiations before FIFA’s Bureau so that Nicolás Otamendi may be eligible for the first match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, due to the expulsion against Ecuador in the last CONMEBOL South American Qualifiers match,” the AFA said in an official statement.

At 38 years old, Otamendi is preparing for what would be his fourth FIFA World Cup appearance with Argentina. The Benfica defender remains an important figure in Lionel Scaloni’s squad and was part of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning team as well as the back-to-back Copa América titles.

Julián Álvarez does not have a serious injury and there are no concerns for the World Cup.

Álvarez was substituted out for Atletico Madrid in their 1-0 loss against Arsenal in the Champions League. According to Gastón Edul, there is no new injury and the previous one which Julián Álvarez had did not worsen.

The 26 year old asked to be substituted out because he had received a knock to the ankle.

Gianluca Prestianni’s ban would extend into the World Cup.

Prestianni has been suspended for six matches after the controversy surrounding the homophobic conduct in the Champions League. According to The Atheltic, FIFA have accepted UEFA’s request of extending his ban.

If Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni decides to call up the 20 year old to the World Cup, Prestianni would miss the first two matches. Prestianni was involved in an incident with Vinicius Juniors during a Champions League match in February.

Julián Álvarez was substituted out for Atletico Madrid with ankle pain.

Álvarez started Atletico Madrid’s match in the Champions League against Arsenal and was substituted out. According to Marca, during Atletico Madrid’s 1-0 loss, Alvarez was substituted out with pain in his ankle.

The 26 year old played 67 minutes in the match.