May 6 (Reuters) - Argentina winger ⁠Gianluca Prestianni faces the prospect of missing his ⁠country's opening World Cup matches after FIFA extended ‌his six-game suspension for homophobic conduct on Wednesday to have worldwide effect.

The Benfica player was handed the ban by UEFA following accusations he directed ​a slur at Real Madrid's Vinicius ⁠Jr during February's Champions ⁠League playoff clash, which Real won 1-0.

"The FIFA Disciplinary Committee ⁠has ‌decided to extend the six-match ban imposed by UEFA on SL Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni to ⁠have worldwide effect," a FIFA spokesperson told Reuters.

"The ​sanction has been ‌extended in accordance with article 70 of the FIFA ⁠Disciplinary Code."

The ​worldwide extension, which was requested by UEFA, means Prestianni would miss Argentina's first two World Cup fixtures if he is ⁠selected.

The ban covers UEFA club competition games ​or competitive international matches, but not friendlies or domestic league games.

UEFA originally imposed the six-match suspension for discriminatory conduct, with ⁠three games suspended for a probationary period. Prestianni had already served a one-match provisional suspension when he missed the second leg against Real Madrid.

The 20-year-old has limited international experience, ​however, making just one appearance for ⁠Argentina as a late substitute in a November friendly against ​Angola.

Argentina open their World Cup campaign ‌on June 16 against Group ​J opponents Algeria before taking on Austria and Jordan.

(Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru;Editing by Christian Radnedge)