**Title: Uncertain World Cup for Paraguay’s Almiron After Controversial Red Card**
**Date: June 20, 2026**
Paraguay's midfielder Miguel Almiron faced an early exit from the World Cup following a controversial red card during a Group D match against Turkiye at the San Francisco Stadium. The incident, which occurred on Friday, has raised questions about the implications of a new FIFA rule aimed at preventing on-field confrontations.
Almiron became the first player to be sent off in the tournament under the newly implemented regulation that prohibits players from covering their mouths during disputes. The rule was introduced in response to a previous incident involving Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni, who was accused of making discriminatory remarks to Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. while covering his mouth during a Champions League match. Although Prestianni denied the allegations, UEFA imposed a six-match suspension for what was deemed homophobic conduct.
During the match against Turkiye, the exact words exchanged between Almiron and Turkiye's Mert Muldur remain unclear. However, the referee's decision to issue a red card left Paraguay to compete with ten players for the second half, a situation that could have jeopardized their chances in the tournament. Despite the setback, Paraguay managed to secure a surprising 1-0 victory, keeping their World Cup hopes alive while eliminating Turkiye from contention.
Almiron took to social media following the match, sharing a post on Instagram that celebrated his team's win but did not address his dismissal. "I want to thank the effort of my teammates today, giving everything in each ball, thank you, thank you, thank you, I’m proud to be part of this squad," he wrote, accompanied by a photo of jubilant players celebrating their victory.
The incident has sparked discussions among players and coaches regarding the new regulations. England defender Dan Burn, who previously played with Almiron at Newcastle, commented on the challenges players face in adapting to the rule. "I’ve seen him do that a lot over the years, and I do think it’s one of those things where … it’s going to take a little while for some players to get used to that," he noted. Burn acknowledged that the referees had discussed the rule during their pre-tournament meetings, indicating that players were aware of the changes.
Paraguay's head coach, Gustavo Alfaro, expressed his support for Almiron while also acknowledging the necessity of adhering to the new rules. "The first thing I told him when he came into the dressing room was, ‘Change that face, we won, don’t feel guilty about anything,'" Alfaro said, emphasizing the importance of team spirit. He noted that the incident had inadvertently galvanized the remaining players, leading to a stronger performance against Turkiye.
Despite the victory, Alfaro voiced concerns about the potential impact of such strict regulations on the game. He suggested that a yellow card would have been a more appropriate response to Almiron’s actions, expressing worry that the essence of football could be compromised by an overemphasis on rule enforcement. "Let’s not become slaves to the rulebook," he cautioned.
The new mouth-covering rule is part of a broader set of regulations introduced for the World Cup, which also includes time limits for substitutions and mandatory one-minute sidelines for players receiving medical treatment. While aimed at improving the flow of the game, these changes have sparked debate among players, coaches, and fans regarding their practicality and overall effect on the sport.
As Paraguay prepares for their crucial final Group D match against Australia on June 22, the absence of Almiron will be felt. The team will need to rally together to secure a place in the knockout stages, drawing on the resilience and fighting spirit that has characterized their recent performance. The outcome of this match will determine not only their World Cup fate but also the lasting impact of the new regulations on the tournament.