Otamendi red card: Lionel Scaloni to lose key Argentina defender for World Cup opener following Ecuador defeat

Argentina are set to be without key defender Nicolas Otamendi for their opening game of the 2026 World Cup.

The reigning world champions concluded their World Cup qualifying campaign with a narrow 1-0 away defeat to Ecuador on Tuesday. 

Argentina had to play the majority of the game with 10 men after Otamendi was shown a straight red card in the 31st minute. 

The referee had no other choice but to dismiss the former Manchester City defender after he brought down Enner Valencia as the last man.

Valencia went on to open the scoring with a penalty deep into first-half stoppage time, before Ecuador were also reduced to ten players when Chelsea's Moises Caicedo was given his marching orders in the 50th minute. 

Otamendi is sent off! ?

Argentina will be playing an hour of this one with 10 men ?? pic.twitter.com/X62KtcpyKb

— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) September 9, 2025

Otamendi set to miss World Cup opener

While Caicedo's dismissal levelled the playing field, Lionel Scaloni's side were unable to find an equaliser against a team that has not conceded since March. 

As a result, Argentina slumped to their first loss since losing 2-1 away to Paraguay in a World Cup qualifier in November 2024. 

To rub salt in the wounds, La Albiceleste are also set to be without Otamendi for the opening game of next year's World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico. 

As per FIFA rules, bans received as a result of a direct red card in the preliminary round will be carried over to the tournament if they cannot be served in qualifying. 

The loss to Venezuela took place on the final matchday of Argentina's qualifying campaign, so Otamendi will serve his one-match ban at next year's tournament.

Argentina tem seu primeiro desfalque para a estreia na Copa do Mundo. Otamendi terá de cumprir a suspensão automática pela expulsão contra o Equador, como previsto no regulamento. pic.twitter.com/A7I2dNpfZ6

— Leonardo Bertozzi (@lbertozzi) September 10, 2025

How important is Otamendi to Argentina?

At the age of 37, the Benfica defender is now in the latter stages of his career, but he still remains a key figure in the Argentina setup.

Otamendi donned the captain's armband in Tuesday's defeat after Lionel Messi was given permission to skip the match to rest following his recent injury issues at Inter Miami.

The centre-back has started 11 of Argentina's last 12 matches, only missing one game in that period due to suspension. 

Otamendi brings a wealth of experience to the squad, having amassed 128 international appearances during his long career.

While he will be 38 in February, Otamendi appears to be one of the guaranteed names for Scaloni's World Cup squad, even if they will have to cope without his services for the opening game of the tournament.