Paraguay's Miguel Almiron has made unwanted history at FIFA World Cup 2026, becoming the first player to receive a red card under a new rule that punishes covering the mouth while speaking to an opponent. The incident unfolded during Paraguay's Group Stage match against Turkey in San Francisco.

The 32-year-old former Newcastle United winger shielded his mouth with his hand while talking to Turkey's Mert Muldur. Muldur immediately alerted an official standing nearby, prompting a VAR review. Referee Ivan Barton of El Salvador then announced the dismissal to the crowd.

The sending-off came just before half-time, at which point Paraguay led 1-0. Despite finishing the second half with ten men, Paraguay held on to claim a 1-0 victory over Turkey.

A rule making its World Cup debut

The mouth-covering regulation is being applied at a World Cup for the first time. The International Football Association Board (Ifab) formally adopted the rule at a special meeting held in Vancouver in April, following growing pressure to address players concealing what they say on the pitch.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino had previously expressed support for the measure, stating that referees should operate under a "presumption" that a player who covers their mouth has said "something they shouldn't have." The final decision to issue a red card remains at the referee's discretion, taking all circumstances into account.

Commentating for BBC Radio 5 Live, former Republic of Ireland striker Clinton Morrison offered a measured verdict: "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."

Background: how the rule came about

The issue of players concealing conversations gained widespread attention in February, when Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni raised his shirt over his mouth while addressing Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr during a UEFA Champions League fixture. Prestianni, an Argentina international, was accused of racist abuse — a charge he denied. A UEFA investigation ultimately found him guilty of homophobic conduct, resulting in a six-match ban, three of which were suspended.

Almiron's turbulent tournament

This is not the first controversy to surround Almiron at FIFA World Cup 2026. In Paraguay's opening group game against the United States, referee Ivan Barton initially booked US defender Tim Ream for a foul on Almiron. A VAR review subsequently determined that Almiron had simulated the contact, and the yellow card was transferred to the Paraguayan instead.

Despite the red card setback, Paraguay remain in contention. A win against Australia in their final group match on Friday would be enough to secure a place in the last 32.