Why Are Players Sent Off for Covering Their Mouths at World Cup 2026?

Miguel Almiron was the first player to be sent off for covering his mouth under the new rules at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

A VAR review saw the former Premier League star leave for an early shower just before halftime against Turkey in June 20

We explain why FIFA introduced the drastic measure among the many new rules being used for the first time in North America

Miguel Almiron received the first red card for a new rule FIFA introduced at the 2026 World Cup when he was sent off for covering his mouth.

The former Newcastle United midfielder was in action for his Paraguay side against Turkey on Saturday morning when he was red-carded in first-half stoppage time.

Covering your mouth is common in football, with players often trying to avoid the opposite team or fans from getting what they are trying to pass across.

It is an innocuous thing to do on a football pitch, but why are FIFA now clamping down on it?

Why players are sent off for covering their mouths at World Cup 2026

The rule was introduced after the infamous incident between Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior and Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni during a Champions League game.

Vinicius, who has been one of the most vocal players about racism, accused the Argentine of using a racial slur against him. The case degenerated into a 'he said, he said' because the Benfica midfielder had covered his mouth. Prestianni avoided a red card but was later handed a six-match ban by UEFA.

As a result, FIFA introduced the 'Prestianni rule' where players who cover their mouths with their arms, hands and shirts during confrontational situations will be sent off.

"At the discretion of the competition organiser, any player covering their mouth in a confrontational situation with an opponent may be sanctioned with a red card," read IFAB's statement after a FIFA General Meeting in April.

Why wasn't Lionel Messi sent off for covering his mouth?

After Almiron's red card, fans questioned why Messi wasn't sent off for covering his mouth during Argentina's opening game against Algeria.

However, Messi covered his mouth while addressing his teammates after scoring one of his three goals, and it wasn't in a confrontational situation.

How many games will Miguel Almiron miss?

The 32-year-old will now miss Paraguay's last group stage game against Australia, but FIFA has the power to extend the suspension.

"There's nothing I can do about that. Unfortunately, we can't issue a new opinion on this. He apologised to the players for his mistake. He knew about the situation he had left his team-mates in with his actions," said Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro after the game.

Major rules that were introduced at World Cup 2026

Apart from covering your mouth, players have also had to deal with other major rules that were introduced at World Cup 2026.

Among the rules include expanded VAR powers, where it can now check whether a corner has been given correctly or overturn a red card from two yellow cards.

There are also three-minute mandatory water breaks to deal with the heat in North America.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

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