Rome, 20 June (LaPresse) – The new rule has been applied for the first time. During the Turkey v Paraguay match, Miguel Almiron was sent off just before half-time for covering his mouth whilst speaking to Turkish defender Mert Muldur. Paraguay had taken the lead in the 2nd minute thanks to a goal from Matías Galarza and were holding their own against Turkey’s territorial dominance. Referee Ivan Barton had initially blown his whistle for a foul against the South Americans. Moments later, the Salvadoran referee was consulted by VAR before showing the Paraguayan attacking midfielder a red card (45+3). Replays showed Almiron covering his mouth with his hand, a gesture which FIFA considers punishable by a red card under the new guidelines for the 2026 World Cup.
2026 World Cup: Almiron speaks and covers his mouth; referee applies new rule and sends him off
Rome, 20 June (LaPresse) – The new rule has been applied for the first time. During the Turkey v Paraguay match, Miguel Almiron was sent off just before half-time for covering his mouth whilst speaking to Turkish defender Mert Muldur. Paraguay had taken the lead in the 2nd minute thanks to a goal from Matías Galarza and were holding their own against Turkey’s territorial dominance. Referee Ivan Barton had initially blown his whistle for a foul against the South Americans. Moments later, the Salvadoran referee was consulted by VAR before showing the Paraguayan attacking midfielder a red card (45+3). Replays showed Almiron covering his mouth with his hand, a gesture which FIFA considers punishable by a red card under the new guidelines for the 2026 World Cup.
