Ecuador defender Piero Hincapie, who plays for Arsenal at club level, has become the second player to be sent off at the 2026 World Cup for covering his mouth while confronting an opponent. The incident occurred in second-half stoppage time of their round of 32 clash against Mexico, with his side trailing 2-0.
Incident and Red Card
Hincapie covered his mouth when squaring up to Mexico's Santiago Gimenez. Gimenez alerted referee Slavko Vincic, who consulted the pitchside monitor and produced a red card after a quick review. Mexico won the match 2-0, advancing to the round of 16 where they will face either England or DR Congo.
New FIFA Rule
The 2026 World Cup is the first to feature red cards for players who cover their mouths during confrontations. The rule was triggered by a February Champions League match in which Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni covered his mouth with his jersey while directing abuse at Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior, making it impossible for officials to verify what was said. FIFA responded by giving referees the authority to issue a red card to any player who covers his mouth during a confrontation.
First Offender
Paraguay's Miguel Almiron became the first player to be sent off under the new rule, seeing red in his side's 1-0 group-stage win against Turkey earlier in the tournament.
