Socceroos get surprise boost as Paraguay star sent off under new FIFA rule

Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almirón has been sensationally sent off in their 1-0 Group D World Cup win over Turkiye.

Read more World Cup 2026 standings: Live updated table, points for every group in FIFA tournament

Up by a goal just before the half time whistle Almirón was given a straight red card after intentionally covering his mouth in a heated verbal confrontation with Turkiye rival Mert Mulder.

The decision was made after the on-field referee Iván Barton from El Salvador was notified to check replays by the match VAR officials. 

Almirón becomes the first player to be sent off under the new FIFA rule which was introduced to prevent racist and homophobic comments by players covering their mouths with a hand or jersey.

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Read more World Cup 2026 standings: Live updated table, points for every group in FIFA tournament

The red card consigned Paraguay to playing the entire second half against Turkiye with just 10 men, yet they remarkably repelled wave after wave of attack to hang on for an unlikely win that eliminated Turkiye from the World Cup in the process.

It also means Almirón receives an automatic one-match suspension, ruling the veteran midfielder out of Paraguay’s crucial next match against the Socceroos next Friday (12 p.m. AEST) in Santa Clara, California.

32-year-old Almirón currently plays his club football in the USA for MLS club Atlanta United and previously played 186 matches in the Premier League for Newcastle United.

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Socceroos FIFA 2026 World Cup Schedule