Ecuador defender Piero Hincapié has become the second player to be sent off at the 2026 FIFA World Cup for covering his mouth during a confrontation with an opponent.
The incident occurred in stoppage time of Ecuador’s Round of 32 clash against Mexico. With his side trailing 2-0, Hincapié covered his mouth while confronting Mexico forward Santiago Giménez.
Giménez drew the referee’s attention to the incident, prompting a video review. Referee Slavko Vinčić subsequently issued a red card to the Ecuadorian defender.
Mexico went on to secure a 2-0 victory and advanced to the Round of 16, where they will face either England or DR Congo.
The 2026 World Cup is the first tournament in which players can be sent off for covering their mouths during confrontations.
The rule was introduced after a Champions League incident involving Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni, who covered his mouth while directing comments at Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior, making it difficult for match officials to determine what was said.
Under the regulation, referees are empowered to issue red cards to players who cover their mouths during heated exchanges.
Paraguay’s Miguel Almirón was the first player sent off under the rule earlier in the tournament during his country’s group-stage victory over Turkey.
