Paraguay have lodged a formal complaint with FIFA after Jude Bellingham escaped punishment for covering his mouth while speaking to an opponent during England's Group L match — an act the sport's governing body has made a straight red card offence at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The dispute centres on the contrast between Bellingham's treatment and that of Paraguay's Miguel Almiron, who became the first player ever dismissed under the new rule during Paraguay's narrow victory over Turkiye earlier in the tournament.

The incident involving Bellingham

During England's goalless draw with Ghana, Bellingham was spotted covering his mouth while exchanging words with Ghana forward Jordan Ayew. Despite the new regulation — which mandates an immediate red card for any player seen covering their mouth in a confrontational situation with an opponent — Bellingham remained on the pitch and went on to play 73 minutes without consequence.

FIFA officials are understood to have concluded that Bellingham's actions were not confrontational in nature, distinguishing his case from Almiron's dismissal. Paraguay, however, argue that the rule has not been applied consistently or equally across all competing nations, and their football association has submitted a formal protest to the governing body on those grounds.

Almiron's red card and FIFA's stance

Almiron's dismissal followed a VAR review in Paraguay's match against Turkiye. In an official statement, FIFA explained that the rule stemmed from a special meeting of The IFAB held in April, which introduced a number of amendments to be implemented specifically at the FIFA World Cup 2026 — including a red card for mouth-covering in confrontational situations.

The regulation itself was partly prompted by an incident involving Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni, who received a six-match ban for directing homophobic abuse at Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr while concealing his mouth.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has publicly reaffirmed his backing for the rule.