What Is the ‘Vinicius Jr Law’ Used for the First Time at the 2026 World Cup?

Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almirón became the first player in World Cup history to be send off for covering his mouth during an altercation with an opponent, following an amendment to the game’s laws.

The decision came after a special meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) held in Vancouver. FIFA has confirmed that the new law will be implemented this summer in North America and Mexico.

Under the new guidance, referees will have the authority to issue a red card if a player deliberately covers their mouth while speaking to an opponent or official during a heated exchange. The move is intended to address concerns that players may be attempting to hide abusive or discriminatory language from cameras and match officials.

The decision follows the fallout of the high-profile incident involving Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni and Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior earlier this season.

The issue of players concealing their speech gained widespread attention earlier this year during February’s Champions League knockout phase playoff match between Benfica and Madrid.

During the game at the Estadio da Luz, winger Prestianni was seen pulling his shirt over his mouth while speaking to Real Madrid’s No. 7.

Vinicius Jr reacted to his opponent’s comments and informed referee François Letexier, who made the crossed arms gesture to signal the initiation of the racist abuse protocol.

The match was then delayed for 10 minutes before restarting, with Madrid ending as 1–0 victors.

Prestianni, who denied the accusations of racism, was provisionally suspended for one match—Benfica’s Champions League second leg against Madrid. After an investigation by UEFA, he was ultimately found guilty of homophobic conduct rather than racism. He received a six-match ban, with three games suspended.

Miguel Almiron’s History Making Red Card

Almirón’s historic dismissal came on the cusp of halftime in Paraguay’s group-stage clash with Türkiye on June 19. The Atlanta United playmaker was in conversation with Mert Müldür during a break in play when he innocuously covered his mouth. Müldür recognized the offense immediately, rushing towards the assistant referee to signal an offense had been committed.

The incident was brought to the attention of the chief on-pitch referee, Iván Arcides Barton Cisneros of El Salvador, who was directed across to the pitchside monitor. Following a swift review of the incident, Almirón was shown the third red card of his international career.

Infantino: ‘Don’t Cover Your Mouth If You Have Nothing to Hide’

The broader issue of mouth covering was reviewed by lawmakers IFAB before the World Cup. Despite the new rule, however, the final decision will remain in the hands of the referee, who will assess each situation individually before issuing a red card.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the change is designed to act as a deterrent against abusive behavior.

“If a player covers his mouth and says something, and this has a racist consequence, then he has to be sent off, obviously,” he said.

“There must be a presumption that he has said something he shouldn’t have said, otherwise he wouldn’t have had to cover his mouth. If you do not have something to hide, you don’t hide your mouth when you say something. That’s it, as simple as that.”