Before the tournament, FIFA rolled out some new rules that give officials the latitude to issue players red cards if they cover their mouths during a confrontation with an opponent.Well, Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almiron did just that against Turkey on Friday night, and it warranted him a red card — and possibly cost him the remainder of his World Cup.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMMiguel Almiron of Paraguay walks off the field after receiving a red card during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between Turkiye and Paraguay at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on June 19, 2026.(Matthew Huang/Icon Sportswire)The infraction came during first-half stoppage time in the Group D match when Almiron and Mert Mulder exchanged words following a foul near midfield.
Almiron covered his mouth while saying something to Mulder, who immediately appealed to referee Ivan Barton for punishment.Barton went to video review and quickly ruled that Almiron would be given a red card and ejected under a new rule put in place for this year's World Cup."According to the law, if you cover your mouth you’re sent off.Red card," coach Gustavo Alfaro said.
"There’s nothing I can do about that.Unfortunately, we can’t issue a new opinion on this."The red card left Paraguay with just 10 players for the rest of its match, but it still came away with a 1-0 win to clinch the group for the United States.Miguel Almiron of Paraguay reacts after receiving a red card for covering his mouth while talking to another player during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between Türkiye and Paraguay in Santa Clara, California, on June 19, 2026.
(Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)USA CLINCHES FIRST PLACE IN WORLD CUP GROUP AFTER PARAGUAY'S WIN OVER TURKEY SEALS FAVORABLE BRACKET PATHHowever, Paraguay could be out of the tournament with a loss next week against Australia, and the red card means Almiron will be suspended for the contest.The winner of that mat...