During the crucial Turkey vs Paraguay Group D match of the FIFA World Cup 2026, Paraguay star Miguel Almirón created history as he received a red card due to a shocking reason, which has been introduced for this tournament.
During the stoppage time of the first half, while there was a dispute between the teams as they were arguing following a foul, Miguel Almirón was clearly visible talking with the opponent player Mert Mulder while covering his own mouth. Mulder immediately appealed to the referee, who was then busy setting up the dispute.
Referee Iván Barton went to the VAR, where he checked the matter. After confirming the incident, the referee showed the straight red card to Almirón, who felt helpless in that moment before leaving the pitch.
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Before the beginning of the FIFA World Cup 2026, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) approved the new rules for a red card in the incident of a player covering their mouth in a confrontational situation with an opponent, regardless of whether the referee heard or not heard what was said. All the teams were informed about this rule, but Almirón seemed to have forgotten that, at least for that particular moment, which heavily cost him.
How many matches will Miguel Almirón miss for the red card covering his mouth?
Miguel Almirón will miss one game for receiving the red card for covering his mouth. While Paraguay will play their next game against Australia on 26 June, which will be their last Group D match, Almirón will miss the match.
This is a special red card rule for the FIFA World Cup 2026. It is yet to be included in the laws of the game, which can be if it becomes successful during the tournament, and the majority accepts this as law.
However, Paraguay still managed to win the game, as they beat Turkey by 1-0. Matías Galarza scored the only goal of the match in 65 seconds of the game, the fastest goal of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
