Overview
- At the Match Schedule Reveal in Washington, D.C., Gianni Infantino called Lionel Scaloni on stage and let him hold the trophy without gloves.
- Infantino apologized on behalf of FIFA, saying he had been told Scaloni was asked to wear gloves and that world champions are permitted to touch the Cup.
- The previous day at the 2026 World Cup draw, Scaloni had donned white gloves to handle the trophy and later said organizers told him it was "protocol."
- Reporting says officials at the draw appeared not to recognize the World Cup–winning coach, contributing to the awkward scene.
- The tournament will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, and Argentina are slated to open June 16 against Algeria in Kansas City, before facing Austria and Jordan.