Gianni Infantino Apologizes to Lionel Scaloni After World Cup Trophy Gloves Incident

FIFA found itself at the center of controversy following the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington, D.C., after an awkward protocol moment involving Lionel Scaloni. During the ceremony at the John F. Kennedy Center, the Argentina head coach was instructed to wear protective gloves before approaching the FIFA World Cup trophy—despite being the reigning world champion after Qatar 2022.

The scene quickly sparked backlash. Scaloni, visibly uncomfortable, later remarked that officials appeared not to recognize who he was, a comment that went viral across social media platforms. For many fans and analysts, the moment symbolized a lack of awareness and respect toward the coach who had most recently lifted the trophy on football’s biggest stage. What was meant to celebrate the road to the 2026 World Cup instead turned into an uncomfortable talking point about FIFA’s ceremonial protocols.

Within 24 hours, FIFA moved to address the issue. During the official World Cup 2026 calendar presentation the following day, FIFA president Gianni Infantino invited Scaloni back on stage in front of media, officials, and guests. This time, the gesture was deliberate and corrective. Infantino offered a public apology and made it clear that the incident should not have happened.

Speaking directly to Scaloni, Infantino apologized on behalf of FIFA and said he had not been aware of how the protocol had been applied during the draw. As a symbolic act of respect, he invited the Argentina coach to hold the World Cup trophy again—this time without gloves. Infantino emphasized that world champions have every right to touch the trophy freely, reinforcing the status Scaloni earned in Qatar.

Scaloni accepted the gesture calmly, posed with the trophy, and shared a brief exchange with Infantino on stage. While the apology could not erase the awkwardness of the original moment, it helped close the episode and reaffirm Argentina’s place at the top of world football. Within the Albiceleste camp, the response was seen as a necessary and appropriate correction by FIFA.

With the incident resolved, attention now shifts back to the pitch. Argentina will begin the defense of its World Cup title in 2026 from Group J, alongside Algeria, Austria, and Jordan. Scaloni’s side opens the tournament on June 16 in Kansas City against Algeria, before matches with Austria and Jordan in a group where the reigning champions will be clear favorites.

Beyond the anecdote, the episode highlights how small protocol missteps can carry global repercussions in an event of this magnitude. With the 2026 World Cup expanding to 48 teams across three host nations, every detail will be under intense scrutiny. FIFA’s public apology to Lionel Scaloni was an attempt to ensure that respect for the game’s most recent champions remains unquestioned as the sport enters its largest World Cup era yet.