Argentina and Ecuador to miss key players in their first group-stage matchesPhoto: Getty ImagesThe 2026 FIFA World cup will begin without 2 major name as the governing body has officially suspended Ar...
Argentina and Ecuador to miss key players in their first group-stage matches
Photo: Getty Images
The 2026 FIFA World cup will begin without 2 major name as the governing body has officially suspended Argentina’s Nicolas Otamendi and Ecuador’s Moises Caicedo following their red cards in the final round of South American qualifiers.
Harsh Ending to Qualifiers
Otamendi received direct red card after late challenge on Enner Valencia during Argentina’s narrow 1 - 0 defeat to Ecuador.
With no remaining qualifiers before the World cup, FIFA confirmed that his suspension will carry over to the tournament .. ruling him out of Argentina’s opening game.
🇦🇷
— Luis Omar Tapia (@LuisOmarTapia) October 7, 2025
FIFA le impuso a Nicolás Otamendi una fecha de suspensión, por lo que será baja para el debut de Argentina en el Mundial 2026. pic.twitter.com/c4FxPmj8AH
Caicedo Also Banned
Ecuador’s star midfielder Moises Caicedo will also serve 1 match suspension having been sent off in the same encounter.
His absence will be major blow for Ecuador’s hopes as they prepare for their 5th World cup appearance.
Qualification Recap
Argentina comfortably topped the CONMEBOL qualifying table with 38 point, ahead of Ecuador on 29 securing their spot in the expanded 2026 edition to be co hosted by the U.S, Canada and Mexico.
#MUNDIAL I FIFA ratificó la sanción contra Moisés Caicedo para el Mundial 2026. Detalles https://t.co/1O0MYujYDspic.twitter.com/zpWjYFwRMa
— Teleamazonas (@teleamazonasec) October 7, 2025
World Champions Start Without Their Veteran
Lionel Scaloni’s reigning world champions (winners of Qatar 2022 after their memorable final triumph over France) will now begin their title defense without the veteran defender who has been cornerstone of Argentina’s backline for over decade.
Category: General Sports
