Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almiron became the first player to be issued a red card for covering his mouth during a World Cup match against Turkey in Santa Clara, California. The incident occurred during first-half stoppage time when Almiron and Turkey's Mert Muldur exchanged words following a foul near midfield.
Almiron covered his mouth while directing a comment at Muldur, who immediately appealed to referee Ivan Barton for punishment. Barton used video review to confirm the dismissal, ruling that Almiron be ejected under a new rule. Paraguay led 1-0 at the time of the incident in the Group D match.
The rule stipulates that players who cover their mouths with their hand, arm, or shirt in confrontational situations receive a straight red card. FIFA president Gianni Infantino pushed for the regulation after Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni attempted to hide verbal insults toward Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior in a Champions League game.