Overview
- FIFA president Gianni Infantino invited Lionel Scaloni on stage at the Match Schedule Reveal in Washington, D.C., and had him handle the World Cup trophy without gloves.
- Infantino said he was told Scaloni had been asked to wear gloves at the draw and stated, "I apologise on behalf of FIFA. I didn’t know."
- Scaloni told TNT Sports Argentina that officials insisted he use gloves to touch the trophy, calling the requirement "protocol."
- Coverage noted claims that organisers at the draw did not recognise the World Cup–winning coach, which added to the awkwardness of the moment.
- The draw broadcast drew mixed viewer reactions for its length, and Argentina’s 2026 schedule includes an opener on June 16 against Algeria in Kansas City, followed by Austria and Jordan.