Paraguayan midfielder Miguel Almirón received a red card during a World Cup qualifying match against Turkey, marking a historic first for the competition. The dismissal occurred after Almirón covered his mouth with his hand during a heated exchange with Turkish defender Mert Müldür. Referees interpreted the action as deliberately preventing a clear goal-scoring opportunity via handball, despite the unusual nature of the infraction. This is believed to be the first instance of a player being sent off for covering their mouth with their hand in a World Cup match. The incident sparked debate among commentators regarding the interpretation of handball rules and the referee’s decision. The match continued with Paraguay playing a man down, potentially impacting their qualifying chances for the 2026 World Cup. The ruling highlights the increasingly strict enforcement of handball regulations in modern football.