Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almiron found himself at the centre of a major controversy after becoming the first player to receive a red card under FIFA’s new rule against covering the mouth during confrontations.
The incident occurred during Paraguay’s 1-0 victory over Turkey at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Almiron was sent off after VAR reviewed footage showing him speaking to Turkish player Mert Mulder while covering his mouth with his hand.
Watch the video below;
Red card for Paraguay… At the world cup, against Turkey.
They destroyed a whole country’s chances to advance.. for speech. Yes you heard that right.
Almiron covered his mouth, and got a red card.
We’ve been swearing on the football field for 100years and now the politics have… pic.twitter.com/kRsyb35xv0— Freaky Mickey (@SirDogTurd) June 20, 2026
Under FIFA’s recently introduced regulations, players can receive a straight red card if they cover their mouths during what officials consider a confrontational exchange, a move aimed at improving transparency and discouraging abusive language on the pitch.
The decision immediately triggered widespread reactions among football fans, pundits and former athletes, with opinions sharply divided over whether the punishment was justified.
While some supporters argued that players are fully aware of the rules and should face the consequences of breaking them, others questioned whether football’s governing body was focusing on the wrong issues, especially when offences such as simulation and time-wasting often attract lesser punishments.
Despite being reduced to 10 men, Paraguay managed to hold on for victory against Turkey, keeping their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive.
However, the red card means Almiron will miss Paraguay’s crucial final group-stage clash against Australia, a match that could determine qualification for the next round.
The incident has also reignited debate over FIFA’s efforts to regulate player behaviour and whether the new rule is necessary for protecting the image of the game or an example of overregulation.
Read some netizens’ reactions below:
@IanHarnett: “You’re a fool!! He knows the rules. If he needs to cover his mouth then he’s clearly saying something he shouldn’t be saying. Great call by VAR.”
@WalidZeid73: “There is little thing in all sports called sportsmanship and decorum. There are rules about vulgarity and the ref followed the rules. Covering a potty mouth is irrelevant.”
@BenSwansea: “He knew the rules. His own stupidity but his country still won. If you have nothing to hide then don’t cover your mouth. Why can’t footballers be respectful? They are in Rugby/cricket as examples.”
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Roland Schoeman: “Don’t cover your mouth. Not difficult. Say what you want to say. Don’t be a coward and say it behind your hand.”
@FanovoX: “This gets a straight red but simulation and time-wasting barely get yellows. Football’s priorities are broken. Do you think this single call ruins Paraguay’s entire World Cup campaign?”
@SenfdaTzu: “Noch schlimmer als die Regel finde ich die mimosenhafte Petze, die gleich zum Schiri läuft,” referring to Mulder as a “sensitive snitch” for immediately reporting the incident to the referee.
@Bendu4America: “Just because you are competing doesn’t give you free licence to verbally assault someone. Kudos to FIFA for trying to bring class, dignity, and character back.”
@matthewdmarsden: “It’s a rule. It was the player’s fault and he got punished for it. Cope.”
@CoreyClayton: “Paraguay WON the match. A tie vs Australia next game likely would advance BOTH teams in 2nd and 3rd place with four points each.”
With opinions continuing to pour in, Almiron’s dismissal has become one of the most talked-about incidents of the tournament so far, raising fresh questions about how far FIFA should go in policing player conduct on the field.