Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almirón became the first player sent off under FIFA’s new rule banning players from covering their mouths during confrontations after a dramatic 2026 World Cup match against Türkiye.
The incident happened during first-half stoppage time in Paraguay’s Group D clash with Turkey in San Francisco.
A heated exchange broke out after Paraguay forward Isidro Pitta went down following a challenge and players from both teams gathered around the scene.
Video review later focused on Almirón’s actions during the confrontation.
Referee Iván Barton reviewed the footage and issued a straight red card after determining that Almirón had spoken while covering his mouth with his hand during the exchange with Türkiye defender Mert Müldür.
The decision was confirmed through VAR.
The dismissal marked the first application of FIFA’s new disciplinary measure at a World Cup.
Under the rule, players who cover their mouths with a hand, arm or shirt while speaking during confrontational situations can face immediate dismissal.
The regulation was introduced following previous concerns that players used covered conversations to conceal discriminatory language on the pitch.
Despite losing Almirón, Paraguay held on to secure a 1-0 victory over Türkiye through an early goal from Matías Galarza.
Türkiye dominated possession and created numerous chances but could not find an equaliser.
The result revived Paraguay’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage and eliminated Türkiye from the tournament, while Almirón’s dismissal immediately became one of the defining talking points of the 2026 World Cup.
Comments
Add a comment