World Cup 2026: Paraguay's Miguel Almiron receives red card for covering mouth while speaking to opponent
June 20, 2026 · TaegeukGoal
Paraguay's Miguel Almiron received a red card for covering his mouth while speaking to an opponent during their World Cup match against Turkey.
A historic incident occurred when Paraguay's Miguel Almiron received a red card for covering his mouth while speaking to an opponent during a match against Turkey in the 2026 World Cup group stage. Almiron, 32, covered his mouth with his hand while speaking to Turkey's Mert Muldur, and the referee was notified and a video review (VAR) was conducted. El Salvador referee Ivan Barton informed the crowd and ordered Almiron to leave. The incident occurred just before the end of the first half with Paraguay leading 1-0.
Clinton Morrison, BBC Radio 5 Live commentator and former Ireland international striker, said: "If you know the rules, you don't do that. You have to accept the decisions of the referee and VAR. Not everyone will agree with it, but if they are the rules, they have to be followed." Even after Almiron was sent off, Paraguay won 1-0 over Turkey. Paraguay can advance to the round of 32 if it wins its final group match against Australia on Friday.
The incident took place under new rules being implemented for the first time at the World Cup. The rule was decided to be introduced at a special meeting of the International Football Association Board (Ifab) held in Vancouver in April. FIFA president Gianni Infantino said he welcomed the introduction of these penalties, noting that referees would have to base their judgment on the "presumption" that players "may have said something inappropriate". The decision to issue a red card is made at the absolute discretion of the referee, taking into account all circumstances.
The practice of players covering their mouths came to attention in February when Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni lifted his shirt while speaking to Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior. Argentine national Prestianni was accused of making racist remarks, which he denied, and was suspended for six games after a UEFA investigation found his actions to be homophobic. Almiron was previously disadvantaged under another new rule in the first World Cup group match against the United States. At the time, the referee judged that American defender Tim Liam had fouled Almiron and gave him a warning, but after a VAR review, it was confirmed that Almiron had dived and he received a yellow card.