FIFA President Delivers Stunning World Cup Apology to Argentina's Scaloni Amid Growing Controversy

FIFA chief Gianni Infantino called it a "scandal" that Argentina's coach Lionel Scaloni had to use gloves when handling the World Cup trophy during Friday's ceremony.

Scaloni, who guided La Albiceleste to victory in Qatar three years prior, displayed the World Cup on stage at Washington D.C.'s Kennedy Center. The Argentine coach wore white gloves to touch the golden trophy, which Infantino says he only discovered after the draw concluded.

"I offer my apologies on FIFA's behalf. I was unaware," Infantino stated the next day during the complete fixture schedule reveal for the 2026 World Cup.

"Naturally, the world champions should be able to touch the trophy. My apologies, I had no knowledge of this," Infantino added. "What a scandal! It's simply that when you're a world champion, you appear more youthful each day."

The 55-year-old invited Scaloni back on stage for another attempt, and this time, he presented the trophy without gloves. The Argentina manager expressed gratitude to Infantino for the kind gesture.

Argentina Begin World Cup Title Defense in Group J

The current world champions discovered their destiny at Friday's ceremony, alongside the 47 other nations participating in the United States, Canada and Mexico tournament next summer. Argentina was placed in Group J with Algeria, Austria and Jordan.

The draw proved advantageous for Argentina, though Scaloni refuses to underestimate any opposition.

"As we mentioned in 2022, no opponents are simple; we must compete in every match," the Argentine stated following the draw. "On paper, it's a group where we must give everything to progress to the knockout stage."

Scaloni proceeded to highlight Austria's "excellent qualifying run" and commended Algeria for possessing "talented players and an extensive youth system that also supplies France and other nations."

La Albiceleste's opening challenge at the 2026 World Cup arrives against Algeria on June 16 at Kansas City's Arrowhead Stadium.

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