2026 World Cup: Ecuador’s Piero Hincapié Sent Off Under FIFA’s New Mouth-Covering Rule

Ecuador defender Piero Hincapié became the second player to receive a red card under FIFA’s new mouth-covering rule at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after being dismissed during his country’s defeat to Mexico.

The incident occurred deep into second-half stoppage time in Ecuador’s Round of 32 clash with Mexico. With his team trailing 2-0, Hincapié confronted Mexico forward Santiago Giménez while covering his mouth.

Giménez immediately drew the attention of referee Slavko Vinčić, who reviewed the incident on the pitch-side monitor before showing Hincapié a straight red card.

Mexico went on to secure a 2-0 victory, booking a place in the Round of 16, where they will face either England or DR Congo.

The 2026 World Cup is the first tournament to enforce FIFA’s new disciplinary rule, which allows referees to send off players who cover their mouths during confrontations.

The regulation was introduced following a UEFA Champions League match in February involving Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni, who covered his mouth with his shirt while allegedly directing abuse at Vinícius Júnior. The gesture made it difficult for match officials to determine what had been said.

In response, FIFA empowered referees to issue a straight red card to players who conceal their mouths while confronting opponents, in an effort to improve transparency and accountability during on-field disputes.

Paraguay winger Miguel Almirón became the first player dismissed under the new rule after receiving a red card during his country’s 1-0 group-stage victory over Turkey earlier in the tournament.