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World Cup 2026: Almiron becomes first player to receive red card for covering his mouth
Former Premier League player, Miguel Almiron has made history as the first individual to receive a red card at the World Cup for covering his mouth during a match.
In light of the new FIFA regulations implemented for the tournament in Mexico, Canada, and the United States, the football governing body had stated that ‘any player who covers their mouth in a confrontational situation with an opponent may face a red card sanction.’
Paraguay faced Turkey in the early hours of Saturday morning in a crucial match following their defeat to the USA on the opening day.
The South American team took the lead just two minutes into the match with a goal from Matias Galarza, but they were reduced to ten players just before half-time. They managed to hold on and secure a vital three points.
It was Almiron who etched this unfortunate record with his red card.
The former Newcastle United player turned to Turkey’s Mert Mulder, covering his mouth with his hand during their conversation.
Mulder quickly moved away to alert the match officials, prompting a VAR review.
The referee had no option but to issue a red card to Almiron.
The new regulation does not prohibit players from covering their mouths entirely; they are still allowed to do so with teammates, for instance, during free kick situations to prevent the opposing team from discerning who will take the set piece.
FIFA’s prohibition applies specifically when the action occurs in a ‘confrontational situation.’
Paraguay’s coach, Gustavo Alfaro, refrained from commenting on the red card decision but said that he felt ‘as if everything was conspiring’ against his team during the match.
Despite the dismissal, Paraguay’s victory enhanced their chances of advancing to the knockout stages of the World Cup.
They will face Australia next Thursday in their final group match, which is expected to be a decisive contest for qualifying as group runners-up behind the USA.
Conversely, Turkey has been eliminated after suffering defeats in their first two matches.
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