World Cup Drama as Arsenal Defender Piero Hincapié Sent Off for Covering His Mouth
Piero Hincapié became the second player to receive a red card under FIFA’s new mouth-covering rule after he was sent off during Ecuador’s defeat to Mexico in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The incident occurred deep into stoppage time of the Round of 32 encounter after Hincapié confronted Mexico striker Santiago Giménez while Ecuador trailed 2-0.
During the confrontation, the Arsenal defender was seen covering his mouth as he spoke to Giménez. The Mexican forward alerted referee Slavko Vinčić, who reviewed the incident on the pitch-side monitor before issuing a straight red card.
Mexico held on to secure a 2-0 victory and progressed to the Round of 16, where the team will face the winner of the clash between England and DR Congo.
The 2026 World Cup is the first edition of the tournament to enforce FIFA’s new regulation banning players from covering their mouths during confrontations with opponents, a move aimed at making it easier for match officials to determine what is said during heated exchanges.
The rule was introduced following a UEFA Champions League match earlier this year involving Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni and Vinícius Júnior of Real Madrid.
During that encounter, Prestianni covered his mouth while directing comments at Vinícius, preventing officials from verifying the exchange.
Earlier in the tournament, Miguel Almirón became the first player to be dismissed under the new rule after receiving a red card during Paraguay’s group-stage victory over Turkey.
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