FIFA rule bans gesture as zero-tolerance measure against racial abuse

Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almiron (right) covers his mouth while directing remarks at an opposing player during a Group D match against Turkey at the 2026 World Cup at Bay Area Stadium in San Francisco, California, on Saturday. He was immediately sent off. [Lee Mi-jin Image]
Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almiron (right) covers his mouth while directing remarks at an opposing player during a Group D match against Turkey at the 2026 World Cup at Bay Area Stadium in San Francisco, California, on Saturday. He was immediately sent off. [Lee Mi-jin Image]

The 2026 North and Central America World Cup recorded its first red card for mouth-covering during a player confrontation.

Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almiron was sent off Saturday at Bay Area Stadium in San Francisco, California, after covering his mouth and directing remarks at an opposing player during a Group D match against Turkey.

Late in the first half, with Paraguay leading 1-0, Paraguayan forward Isidro Pitta attempted a rough tackle and then appealed to the referee, claiming a Turkish player had stepped on his foot — triggering a scuffle between players from both sides. In the midst of the confrontation, Almiron covered his mouth and said something to a Turkish player. The referee reviewed the incident on video before issuing Almiron a red card.

FIFA introduced the rule for this tournament, mandating the immediate dismissal of any player who covers their mouth while confronting an opponent. It followed an incident in February in which Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni covered his mouth and directed a racially abusive remark at Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior during a UEFA Champions League match, resulting in a UEFA suspension.


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