Paraguay's Miguel Almiron Becomes 1st Player Red-Carded at the World Cup for Covering His Mouth
The Paraguay midfielder was ejected under a new FIFA rule after a video review, leaving his team down to 10 men before halftime.
- On Friday, Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almiron became the first player issued a red card at the World Cup for covering his mouth during a confrontation with Turkiye player Mert Mulder. Referee Ivan Barton ejected Almiron following a video review.
- FIFA implemented a rule for this year's tournament mandating a red card for players covering mouths in "confrontational situations," though the regulation exempts friendly conversations between club teammates on opposing teams.
- Paraguay held a 1-0 lead before the incident occurred near midfield during first-half stoppage time. The ejection forced Paraguay to play the entire second half with 10 men, significantly disadvantaging the team.
- Following the heated exchange, Mulder appealed to Barton for punishment, prompting the referee to utilize video review and confirm the infraction. Almiron's ejection from the Group D match became a historic disciplinary moment.
- Group D standings remain critical for Paraguay, which competes against the United States, Australia, and Turkiye. Teams earn three points for a win and one point for a draw in the round-robin format, with the top two advancing.
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132 Articles
Miguel Almirón couldn't believe his eyes when he was sent off against Turkey for a remark he had tried to cover up behind his hand.
1st Time In FIFA World Cup History: Paraguay's Miguel Almiron Shown Red Card Under New Rules
Paraguay's Miguel Almiron claimed an unwanted piece of football history on Friday after becoming the first player to be sent off for covering his mouth during an on-field confrontation under new FIFA rules.
A player was sent off under the new rules designed to eliminate discrimination, marking the first time this has happened in the FIFA World Cup. In the first half of the Group D match between Turkey and Paraguay, Paraguay's Almirón received a red card. Just before the end of the first half, another Paraguayan...
Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron becomes 1st player red-carded at World Cup for covering his mouth
Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almiron became the first player issued with a red card at the World Cup for covering his mouth, getting sent off during a confrontation against Turkey on Friday night.
In Turkey-Paraguay, Miguel Almirón became the first player expelled to the 2026 World Cup for breaking a new Fifa rule. South American number 10 masked his mouth during an exchange with an opponent. - World Cup 2026: Miguel Almirón sees red for covering his mouth, a historic first (Sports).
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