SAN FRANCISCO — Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almirón received a straight red card during a 2026 FIFA World Cup group-stage match against Turkey after covering his mouth during a confrontation with an opponent, officials said on Saturday. The dismissal followed the enforcement of a new football rule introduced for the tournament that allows players to be sent off for covering their mouths during confrontational exchanges with opponents.
The incident occurred during Paraguay’s match against Turkey, when Almirón was involved in a dispute with Turkey defender Mert Müldür, according to match reports. Referee Iván Barton reviewed the incident with video assistance before showing Almirón the red card, Reuters reported. Paraguay played the remainder of the match with 10 players.
The rule was approved by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), football’s law-making body, ahead of the 2026 World Cup. IFAB said players covering their mouths during confrontations with opponents may be sanctioned with a red card at the discretion of the competition organizer. The measure was introduced as part of efforts to address concerns about discriminatory or inappropriate behavior during matches.
IFAB said the rule followed consultations involving football stakeholders and was aimed at situations where players may attempt to conceal what they are saying during heated exchanges. The change was discussed after a high-profile club football incident involving a player covering his mouth during an argument, which led to concerns about preventing officials from reviewing possible abusive language.
Almirón’s dismissal became the first known use of the new rule at the World Cup, according to reports. The Paraguayan player’s team continued the match after the decision, while officials did not publicly state that any specific discriminatory remark had been made.
FIFA and IFAB have said the rule applies to the gesture itself during a confrontation, rather than requiring officials to prove that a particular phrase was used. The change has drawn attention among players, officials and supporters because of its impact on how disputes between opponents are handled on the field.
Paraguay went on to complete the match against Turkey with a 1-0 victory, according to match reports. The result and Almirón’s suspension affected Paraguay’s situation in the group stage, with officials continuing to apply tournament disciplinary rules.
As of Sunday, FIFA had not announced any additional disciplinary action against Almirón beyond the red card issued during the match. Tournament officials continued to monitor the use of the new rule during World Cup fixtures.
