On the morning of June 20, the 2026 World Cup witnessed a historic moment when Miguel Almiron became the first player to receive a red card for covering his mouth while arguing with an opponent.
The incident occurred in the first-half stoppage time of the match between Paraguay and Turkey in Group D of the 2026 World Cup. In a tense situation on the pitch, Almiron used his hand to cover his mouth during an exchange of words with opposing defender Mert Mildur.
The referee immediately showed a straight red card, sending Paraguay’s number one star off the pitch to the astonishment of many. This is the first time FIFA has applied a new regulation at the 2026 World Cup regarding mouth-covering behavior. Players are not allowed to use their hands or objects to cover their mouths to prevent lip-reading when communicating or arguing. Any violation results in a straight red card, as in Almiron’s case.
Notably, this is not the first time the Paraguayan midfielder has drawn attention at this year’s tournament. In the opening match, a 1-4 defeat to the US on June 13, Almiron also became the focal point of a controversial situation involving VAR. At that time, he fell during a challenge with US national team captain Tim Ream, causing the referee to initially show a yellow card to the opposing player.
However, after reviewing the footage, the VAR team determined that Ream had no significant impact. The referee subsequently rescinded the yellow card for the US defender and turned to penalize Almiron himself for diving in an attempt to win a dangerous free kick for Paraguay. This marks the first time in World Cup history that VAR has intervened to overturn a shown yellow card.
After just two matches, Almiron has twice become the main character in high-profile decisions by the refereeing crew. From a yellow card for diving to a historic red card for covering his mouth, the former Newcastle star’s 2026 World Cup journey is unfolding in a way no one could have anticipated.
