Why was Miguel Almiron sent off? New World Cup 2026 rule explained, as Paraguay star receives historic red card for covering mouth against Turkiye

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Miguel Almiron is the first player to fall foul of IFAB's new law around players covering their mouths during a game, with the Paraguay star sent off against Turkiye following a discussion with opposition defender Mert Muldur that was reviewed by VAR.

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IFAB (the International Football Association Board) had announced in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup that a series of law changes would be introduced, partially to improve player behaviour.

In February, they confirmed a consultation would be held specifically over players covering mouths, and in late April a decision was ratified.

FIFA said in a statement: "At the discretion of the competition organiser, any player covering their mouth in a confrontational situation with an opponent may be sanctioned with a red card."

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Why was Almiron sent off?

On Friday night, Almiron made the unwanted piece of history by becoming the first man to see red over the ruling, in stoppage time of a chaotic first half as Paraguay were leading Turkiye 1-0.

With the South Americans in positive spirits after going a goal up within 65 seconds through Matias Galarza, Almiron made the task much harder after an incident involving Mert Muldur.

While attention was turned to a potential injury during a break in play, Almiron covered his mouth during a conversation with Muldur. The Turkiye full-back immediately gestured to the officials to consider action.

The VAR reviewed the footage and was left with no choice but to instruct an immediate dismissal for the former Newcastle United hero.

Players will not always be sent off for covering mouths - for example, speaking to a team-mate before a free-kick to hide any discussions around who will take it remains a part of the game.

The key difference comes when there is any sense of animosity around the incident. The officials can take action when it is a "confrontational situation".

Why was the new rule around mouth coverings brought in?

This season's UEFA Champions League playoff-round tie between Real Madrid and Benfica has had far-reaching consequences.

An infamous altercation between Gianluca Prestianni and Vinicius Junior rocked the football world, with the Benfica winger accused of directing racist abuse towards his opponent.

Though Vinicius and his team-mates were adamant that he had been racially targeted, the Argentinian had covered his mouth when shouting any abuse, so it could not easily be proven.

Benfica immediately launched a staunch defence of their player, claiming there was a "defamation campaign" against him, while manager Jose Mourinho insisted "the last thing that [Benfica is], is racist".

Mourinho had also suggested that the Brazilian superstar - who he will now manage at Madrid - had provoked Prestianni.

However, the Portuguese coach went on to say his player's career is "over" if the racism was proven. In that case, UEFA would have also handed out a minimum 10-game ban.

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After a UEFA investigation, Prestianni was sanctioned for homophobic abuse, which also led to a global two-game ban from FIFA.

This would have taken effect for the first two games of the World Cup group stage, but Lionel Scaloni left Prestianni out of his squad, so it is still to be served.

Meanwhile, Australia player Jackson Irvine had little sympathy for Almiron.

He said: "I know it’s going to be controversial in some ways because we don’t know the nature of what [the comment] was, but when you look at what’s happened in the past, especially around what happened with Vinicius Junior, I think it takes everything out of the equation.

”If you’re saying something to someone that you don’t want to be seen, then I think it’s safe to say that if you can’t be seen saying it, then it shouldn’t be said."

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