World Cup: Miguel Almiron becomes 1st player to get red card for covering his mouth during confrontation

Paraguay's Miguel Almiron reacts after receiving a red card during the World Cup Group D match against Turke in Santa Clara, near San Francisco,on June 19, 2026

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Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almiron became the first player to be issued a red card at the World Cup for covering his mouth, getting sent off during a confrontation late in the first half against Turkiye.The infraction came during first-half stoppage time in the Group D match on Friday night when Almiron and Mert Mulder exchanged words following a foul near midfield. Almiron covered his mouth while saying something to Mulder, who immediately appealed to referee Ivan Barton for punishment.Barton went to video review and quickly ruled that Almiron would be given a red card and ejected under a new rule put in place for this year's World Cup.

Mert Muldur of Turkiye informs the referee of Miguel Almiron of Paraguay covering his mouth during a confrontation in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match

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