News Focus
- Referees have shown six straight red cards during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- Five dismissals followed physical fouls, but the latest was for verbal conduct.
- Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almirón received a red card for covering his mouth while speaking.
- The incident highlights a new zero-tolerance rule for hidden communication.
Officials at the 2026 FIFA World Cup are enforcing stricter standards to keep play flowing. They have issued six red cards so far. Every dismissal was a straight red, not a second yellow.
Most of these sendings-off came after dangerous tackles or violent conduct. However, the most recent case was different. It involved Miguel Almirón during Paraguay’s clash with Turkey.
The midfielder walked after he put his hand over his mouth while talking to Turkish defender Mert Müldür. Almirón did not touch his opponent physically. Nobody heard exactly what he said. Even so, the referee showed the red card immediately.
This decision follows a new regulation. Covering your mouth when speaking to an opponent now brings an automatic sending-off. The rule aims to stop hidden insults and verbal abuse. These tougher measures are helping matches flow better by removing all types of misconduct quickly.