VAR Makes History Again at the 2026 World Cup

Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almirón has become the first player to receive a red card for covering his mouth while speaking to an opponent. The incident occurred during the World Cup group stage match against Turkey. The 32-year-old placed his hand over his mouth while talking to Mert Müldür, who immediately alerted the referee. After a VAR review, head referee Ivan Barton of El Salvador showed a straight red card to the former Newcastle player.

This is one of the new rules whose real-world application we have witnessed for the first time at the 2026 World Cup.

The decision to introduce it was made during a special meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) in Vancouver this past April. FIFA President Gianni Infantino had previously stated that he would welcome such a penalty, and that in such cases, referees should operate under the "presumption" that players have said "something they shouldn't have."

The decision remains at the absolute discretion of the referee, who must consider all circumstances before showing a red card.

The issue of players covering their mouths gained prominence in February when Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni lifted his shirt while speaking to Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior during a Champions League match.

The Argentine international was accused of racist abuse, which he denied, and was initially suspended for one match. Following a UEFA investigation, Prestianni was found guilty of homophobic conduct and banned for six games, three of which were suspended.

This is the second time Almirón has been at the center of a historic moment at this World Cup. In the match between the USA and Paraguay, he received a yellow card following a VAR intervention for a case of "mistaken identity."