Paraguay's Miguel Almiron during the FIFA World Cup 2026 game against USA. | Photo Credit: AP

Paraguay winger Miguel Almiron was shown a yellow card for diving after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review for mistaken identity during Paraguay’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match against the USA in California on Saturday.

Referee Danny Makkelie had initially cautioned USA defender Tim Ream for a foul near the goal line on the right flank. However, at the next stoppage, VAR alerted Makkelie to a case of mistaken identity. After reviewing the incident, the referee rescinded Ream’s yellow card and instead booked Almiron for diving.

RELATED | World Cup 2026: New rules, law changes explained

The intervention was made possible by FIFA’s expanded VAR protocol, which now allows reviews in cases of mistaken identity involving cautions, one of several rule changes introduced for the 2026 World Cup.

Other changes in effect at the tournament include a red card for players who cover their mouths during confrontational situations, the correction of wrongly awarded corner kicks, a mandatory hydration break in each half, and a five-second countdown for throw-ins.

Published on Jun 13, 2026