Arsenal star Piero Hincapie becomes second player to be sent off at World Cup for covering his mouth

Ecuador defender Piero Hincapié has become the second player to be given a red card at the 2026 World Cup for covering his mouth while confronting an opponent.

With his side down 2-0, Hincapié, who plays for Arsenal at club level, covered his mouth when squaring up to Mexico’s Santiago Giménez in second-half stoppage time of their World Cup round of 32 clash.

Giménez alerted referee Slavko Vinčić, who went to the monitor and produced a red card after a quick review.

Mexico won the match 2-0, advancing to the round of 16 where it will face either England or DR Congo.

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.

Paraguay’s Miguel Almirón became the first player to be sent off under the new rule, as he saw red in his side’s 1-0 group-stage win against Turkey earlier in the tournament.