The decision marks the first application of FIFA's new rule during the World Cup
Category: Sports
In a historic moment at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Paraguay's Miguel Almiron became the first player to be shown a red card for covering his mouth during a match. The incident occurred on June 19, 2026, in Santa Clara, California, as Paraguay faced Turkey in a Group D match. Almiron, 32, obscured his mouth with his hand during a conversation with Turkey's Mert Muldur, prompting the referee to take action after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review.
The incident happened just before half-time, with Paraguay leading 1-0. Referee Ivan Barton from El Salvador announced Almiron's dismissal to the crowd, leaving Paraguay to play with ten men for the remainder of the match. Commenting on the situation, former Republic of Ireland striker Clinton Morrison noted, "If you know the rules, you shouldn't do it. You've got to credit the referee and the VAR for making that decision. Not everyone would agree with it, but if those are the rules, you've got to stick by the rules." Paraguay managed to hold on to their lead, winning the match 1-0 and securing three points in the group stage.
This red card was the first application of a new FIFA rule aimed at preventing discriminatory behavior on the pitch. The regulation allows officials to issue a red card to any player who covers their mouth in a confrontational situation, a measure introduced after Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni faced accusations of making discriminatory remarks to Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr. with his mouth covered. According to a FIFA press release, "At the discretion of the competition organizer, any player covering their mouth in a confrontational situation with an opponent may be sanctioned with a red card." This rule reflects FIFA's commitment to combating racism and ensuring sportsmanship during the tournament.
Almiron entered this World Cup with disciplinary concerns, having received a yellow card in Paraguay's opening match—a 4-1 loss to the United States on June 12. His red card against Turkey means he will now miss Paraguay's final group match against Australia, scheduled for June 26. Both Paraguay and Australia have faced similar challenges in their group stage, with each team losing to the United States and defeating Turkey.
With Almiron absent, Paraguay will need to adjust their strategy as they prepare to face Australia. The stakes are high; Paraguay must secure a win to have a chance at advancing to the knockout stage. Currently, the team sits with three points from two matches, and a victory against Australia could solidify their position as one of the top third-place teams in the group. If Paraguay and Australia play to a draw, Australia would advance based on a superior goal differential.
The upcoming match will test Paraguay's depth and highlight the implications of FIFA's new rules on player conduct. Almiron's dismissal serves as a cautionary tale for players across the tournament, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the new regulations. The ramifications of this incident extend beyond just Almiron's participation; they also set a precedent for how FIFA intends to enforce its policies on player behavior moving forward.
As the tournament progresses, fans and analysts alike will follow closely closely to see how teams navigate the challenges posed by these new rules and how they impact the outcome of matches. Paraguay's next game against Australia will likely be a decisive moment for the team and for the enforcement of FIFA's commitment to sportsmanship and respect on the field.
The match against Australia is set to kick off at 03:00 BST on June 26, 2026, and will be a defining moment for Paraguay as they look to secure their place in the next round of the World Cup.