Paraguay Star Makes Unwanted FIFA World Cup History
Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almirón has become the first player to be sent off under FIFA’s newly introduced “Vinny Rule” after covering his mouth while speaking to an opponent during Paraguay’s FIFA World Cup Group D clash against Turkey.
The incident occurred during first-half stoppage time with Paraguay leading 1-0. Almirón was involved in a heated exchange with Turkish defender Mert Müldür and appeared to cover his mouth while speaking. Following a VAR review, referee Iván Barton issued a straight red card, making Almirón the first footballer to be punished under the controversial regulation.
The new law was introduced by FIFA and IFAB following the highly publicized confrontation involving Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior and Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni during a UEFA Champions League match. Prestianni had covered his mouth while speaking to Vinícius, with subsequent investigations concluding that the remarks constituted a discriminatory insult. FIFA responded by introducing stricter measures aimed at preventing players from concealing potentially abusive language during on-field confrontations.
Paraguay Defeat Turkey Despite Playing with Ten Men
Despite losing Almirón before halftime, Paraguay produced a heroic defensive performance to secure a crucial 1-0 victory over Turkey.
The South Americans took the lead after just 65 seconds through Matías Galarza, scoring one of the fastest goals of the tournament. Turkey dominated possession, registered more than 30 attempts on goal and won numerous corners, but failed to find a breakthrough against a resilient Paraguayan defence.
The victory kept Paraguay’s hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive while simultaneously eliminating Turkey from the competition.
A Tournament Full of Drama for Almirón
The red card against Turkey was not the first controversial moment involving Almirón at this World Cup. In Paraguay’s opening Group D match against the United States, Almirón was initially awarded a foul after a challenge from American defender Tim Ream, resulting in a yellow card for the U.S. captain. However, after a VAR review, officials determined that Almirón had simulated the contact. Ream’s yellow card was rescinded and Almirón was instead booked for diving under FIFA’s new “mistaken identity” review protocol.
The United States went on to defeat Paraguay 4-1 in that match, leaving Almirón under intense scrutiny before the Turkey encounter.
Now, after becoming the first player ever dismissed under the “Vinny Rule,” the former Newcastle United and Atlanta United star has found himself at the centre of two of the tournament’s most talked-about refereeing decisions.
What Next?
Almirón will now miss Paraguay’s crucial final group match due to suspension, handing coach Gustavo Alfaro a major selection headache. Paraguay remain in contention for a place in the knockout rounds, but they must now continue their World Cup journey without one of their most experienced players.
For Almirón, the 2026 FIFA World Cup has become a tournament he will remember for all the wrong reasons—first a VAR-overturned booking for simulation, and now an unwanted place in football history as the first casualty of FIFA’s new “Vinny Rule.”
