Why Covering Your Mouth Results in a Red Card at the 2026 World Cup

In a June 20 match between Paraguay and Turkey, Miguel Almirón made history as the first player ever to receive a red card at a World Cup for covering his mouth while speaking to an opponent. This new disciplinary action stems from a rule FIFA introduced before the 2026 tournament.

Reason Behind the Rule Change

This rule was brought in following a controversial incident earlier in the year during a Champions League match between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. When players cover their mouths during conversations on the pitch, it becomes impossible to verify what was said, making it difficult to address any offensive or abusive language. The inability to prove statements like racist or homophobic remarks prompted FIFA to act.

What the Rule Says

In April 2026, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) met and decided that players caught covering their mouths while talking to opponents should be shown a red card. This measure aims to maintain transparency and discourage hidden exchanges that could escalate tensions.

"Following a VAR review in the FIFA World Cup match between Türkiye and Paraguay, Miguel Almirón was shown a red card for covering his mouth. Following a special meeting of The IFAB held in April, a number of amendments were introduced to be implemented at the FIFA World Cup 2026." – FIFA on Twitter

The Champions League Incident That Triggered the Rule

In February, during the clash between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid, Atletico's Gianluca Prestianni covered his mouth while talking to Vinicius Jr. The match paused for ten minutes amid allegations of racial abuse. Later, another Real Madrid player claimed Prestianni had used a homophobic slur instead. Prestianni denied these accusations, saying Vinicius misunderstood him. Since no clear proof emerged, UEFA struggled to decide on the matter, ultimately suspending Prestianni for several games and urging FIFA to set clearer guidelines.

This incident inspired fans to dub the new regulation the "Prestianni Law," reflecting its origin.

Miguel Almirón’s Red Card Moment

Almirón’s red card during the Paraguay-Turkey match marked the first time this rule was enforced at a World Cup. Regardless of what was actually said, simply covering the mouth led to an automatic dismissal, signaling FIFA's strict stance.

FOX Soccer captured the moment when Almirón was sent off with a red card:

Another Example: Piero Hincapie

Almirón wasn’t the only one affected by this change. On June 30, Colombia’s Piero Hincapie also received a red card after covering his mouth while speaking to Mexico’s Santiago Jimenez late in their match. This marked the second enforcement of the rule at the World Cup, ending Hincapie’s tournament prematurely during Colombia’s 2-0 defeat.

ESPN FC reported on the VAR review leading to Hincapie’s dismissal: