Miguel Almirón Makes History with Red Card
Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almirón has become the first player ever sent off under a newly introduced 2026 World Cup regulation that penalizes covering the mouth during confrontations with opponents. The incident took place in first-half stoppage time during a Group D match against Turkey, with referee Iván Barton issuing the red card after a VAR review.
At the time of the dismissal, Paraguay held a 1–0 lead. Almirón, 32, is now the first footballer in history to receive a red card for this specific rule, which was implemented by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) just before the tournament. The regulation allows referees to eject players who cover their face with a hand or shirt during altercations, aiming to make it easier to identify discriminatory language.
Impact on the Tournament
This incident is not Almirón's only brush with the rules at the 2026 World Cup. In Paraguay’s opening match against the United States, he received a yellow card for simulation after a VAR review. Paraguay lost that game, but later managed to defeat Turkey while playing a man down in the second half.
In Group D, the United States secured a spot in the Round of 16 after beating Australia 2–0 in the second round. The Americans became the second team to qualify for the knockout stage, matching the achievement of tournament hosts Mexico. In the final round of group play, the U.S. will face Turkey, while Australia takes on Paraguay. The U.S. leads the group with six points, continuing a strong run that saw them reach the Round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup.
Almirón's red card under the new rule highlights the evolving football regulations aimed at combating discrimination and ensuring on-field safety. This incident may serve as a warning to other players that breaches of these updated rules will not go unnoticed by officials. The unfolding events in Group D will reveal how Almirón's absence affects Paraguay's chances in the tournament and the overall group dynamics, where three teams still have a path to the playoffs.
While Almirón's historic red card under the new rule marks a significant moment in the tournament, it also comes on the heels of Paraguay's impressive victory over Turkey, which ultimately eliminated the latter from the competition. For a closer look at how Paraguay stunned Turkey with an early goal and secured their place in the next round, check out this detailed report on their shocking performance.