Paraguay secured a vital victory at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but the match will be remembered for a controversial moment involving Miguel Almirón, who became the first player dismissed under football’s newly introduced mouth-covering regulation.
The incident occurred just before half-time during Paraguay’s Group D clash with Turkey national football team in San Francisco. With Paraguay holding a narrow 1-0 advantage, Almiron was seen covering his mouth while speaking to Turkish defender Mert Müldür during a confrontation on the pitch.
The exchange quickly drew attention from nearby officials. After the matter was reviewed by VAR, referee Iván Barton announced the decision to the crowd and showed Almiron a straight red card.
The dismissal left Paraguay facing a difficult second half with ten men, but they showed resilience and discipline to protect their lead. The 1-0 win handed the South Americans their first victory of the tournament and kept their hopes of progressing to the knockout stage firmly alive.
The sending-off has also brought fresh attention to one of the most talked-about rule changes introduced ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Under the new regulation, any player who deliberately covers their mouth using a hand, arm or shirt while involved in a confrontation with an opponent can be immediately sent off. Match officials are permitted to punish the offence on the spot, while VAR can also intervene if the incident is missed during live play.
The rule was approved by football lawmakers in April 2026 as part of a wider effort to tackle discriminatory behaviour and improve transparency on the field. Officials believe that preventing players from hiding conversations during heated moments will make it easier to identify abusive, threatening or discriminatory language.
Almiron’s red card is the first high-profile example of the law being enforced at the World Cup, and it is likely to serve as a warning to players throughout the tournament.
While the former Newcastle United star ended the night on the wrong side of history, Paraguay will take comfort from a result that could prove decisive in their bid to reach the last 32. As for the new rule, its impact has already been felt on football’s biggest stage.
