Hincapié Sent Off as FIFA Enforces New Mouth-Covering Rule at World Cup
Ecuador defender Piero Hincapié has become the second player to receive a red card under FIFA’s new mouth-covering rule after being sent off during his side’s 2-0 defeat to Mexico in the 2026 World Cup Round of 32.
Hincapié was dismissed in stoppage time following a confrontation with Mexico forward Santiago Giménez. After a VAR review, the referee ruled that the Ecuador international had covered his mouth while addressing an opponent, triggering the tournament’s newly introduced disciplinary measure.
The regulation, approved by the International Football Association Board ahead of the tournament, allows referees to issue a straight red card when a player covers their mouth during a confrontational exchange. The measure was introduced to discourage abusive, discriminatory or offensive language that could otherwise be concealed from officials and cameras.
Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almirón became the first player to be sent off under the rule earlier in the tournament during a match against Türkiye. FIFA has stressed that the regulation applies only to confrontational situations and does not prohibit players from covering their mouths during friendly or tactical conversations.
Ecuador’s elimination means Hincapié’s mandatory one-match suspension will not affect the remainder of this World Cup campaign.
