Infantino apologises to Argentina over trophy glove mix-up

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has apologised to Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni after a mix-up during the 2026 World Cup draw forced the coach to wear gloves before touching the trophy. Infantino later invited Scaloni to hold the Cup bare-handed during a separate ceremony on Saturday.

The incident unfolded during the draw for the expanded World Cup, to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, when organisers apparently failed to recognise the World Cup-winning coach.

A surprised Scaloni later remarked that the officials “did not know who I was.”

Twenty-four hours on, at an event confirming the tournament schedule, Infantino attempted to set things right.

“I apologise on behalf of FIFA. I didn’t know,” Infantino said as he called Scaloni to the stage and handed him the trophy.

“Of course, the world champions can touch the Cup. I apologise; I didn’t know,” he repeated, joking, “What an outrage! It’s just that when you’re a world champion, you look younger every day.”

Argentina will kick off their 2026 World Cup campaign on June 16 against Algeria in Kansas City, before facing Austria and Jordan.

Anthony Nlebem

Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content.