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Paraguay's Miguel Almiron argues with referee Ivan Barton IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Darren Yamashita | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron was shown a direct red card during his side’s FIFA World Cup 2026 match on Friday.

Almiron was given the marching orders by referee Ivan Arcides Barton Cisneros, following a VAR check, for covering his mouth while passing a comment to a Turkiye player.

FIFA had introduced a new rule ahead of the World Cup regarding such a situation.

The rule read: A player who covers their mouth with their hand, arm or shirt in confrontational situations will receive a red card. However, players who cover their mouths while having friendly conversations with club teammates on opposing teams, for example, will ‌not be punished.

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Published on Jun 20, 2026