Fans and players are fuming over a new rule at the 2026 World Cup. Two stars have already been sent off for arguing with opponents in matches while covering their mouths.
The rule, introduced by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) earlier this year, states that a referee can show a red card to a player if he covers his mouth when arguing heatedly with an opponent. This change is meant to stop players from using mean, offensive or discriminatory words that officials can’t see or hear. FIFA officials hope the alteration will make games more transparent and improve behaviour on the field.
The change follows incidents last season in the Champions League involving Gianluca Prestianni and Vinicius Jr that led to concerns players could hide their conversations by shielding their mouths.
According to the updated rules, players are still allowed to cover their mouths during normal, friendly chats. However, if a referee believes a player is doing it specifically to hide what they are saying during an argument, they feel empowered to send the player off. The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) can also step in and tell the main referee to review the situation.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has supported this move, saying that referees should assume players are saying something they shouldn’t if they try to hide their mouths during a dispute.
The rule has already had a big impact on the 2026 tournament. Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almirón became the first player to be sent off under this rule. During his team’s match against Turkey, the referee showed him a red card just before half-time after he covered his mouth while speaking to Mert Müldür. Paraguay managed to win the game 1-0 even with only ten men on the pitch. Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro did not comment on the referee’s decision after the match.
A few days later, the same thing happened to Ecuador defender Piero Hincapié during a match against Mexico. He was given a red card in stoppage time after he covered his mouth while arguing with Santiago Giménez. Again, the referee made the decision after using the VAR system.
Football fans and experts disagree about the issue. Some think the rule is a great way to hold players responsible and improve respect in the game. Others believe a red card is too harsh for an action that is sometimes difficult to judge.
As the tournament continues, this rule will remain a key focus. Players will now have to be very careful with their actions during arguments, as simply hiding their mouths could now lead to a serious punishment that hurts their team’s chances of winning.
How do you think this new rule will change the way players interact with each other during heated moments on the pitch?
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