World Cup 2026 to punish mouth-covering with red card

Players at the 2026 World Cup will receive red cards for covering their mouths during confrontations or protesting referee decisions on the field.

New FIFA rules for World Cup 2026 Footballers participating in the 2026 World Cup will face immediate red cards if they cover their mouths while interacting with opponents during heated moments. This rule change, approved by FIFA’s governing body in Vancouver, Canada, applies to any player caught obscuring their mouth during communication on the pitch. Additionally, players who leave the playing field in protest against a referee’s call will also be shown a red card, following controversial incidents observed during the recent Africa Cup of Nations final. Both modifications were confirmed as optional regulations by the International Football Association Board (Ifab) and will be enforced at this year’s World Cup tournament. ## Background on mouth-covering incidents The issue gained significant attention earlier this year when Benfica’s Argentinian winger Gianluca Prestianni lifted his shirt while speaking to Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid during a Champions League match. Prestianni was initially accused of racial abuse and given a one-match provisional ban, but UEFA later found him guilty of homophobic conduct, resulting in a six-match ban with three matches suspended. This incident was later discussed at Ifab’s annual general meeting in Wales, where officials agreed to include the matter on FIFA’s agenda for the council meeting. ## Referee discretion and enforcement details The enforcement of these new rules will remain entirely within the referee’s judgment, who must assess all relevant circumstances before issuing a red card. FIFA confirmed that the changes would take effect starting with the summer World Cup. The regulations also extend to any team official who encourages players to walk off the pitch during a match, emphasizing FIFA’s commitment to maintaining discipline and fair play throughout competitions. ## Senegal’s AFCON final protest consequences During the Africa Cup of Nations final, Senegal players left the field and retreated to the dressing rooms in protest after a penalty was awarded against them. Senegal eventually returned, but Brahim Diaz scored a successful Panenka penalty that was saved by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, leading Senegal to a 1-0 victory. However, the Confederation of African Football later overturned the result, stripping Senegal of the title and awarding Morocco a 3-0 win due to the match abandonment. The new FIFA rule will now penalize similar behavior in future matches. ## FIFA president explains rule rationale FIFA president Gianni Infantino supported the introduction of these rules as a clear deterrent against discriminatory behavior. He stated, 'If a player covers his mouth and says something, and this has a racist consequence, then he has to be sent off, obviously. 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.' Infantino emphasized that players have no reason to hide their mouths if they are speaking truthfully, reinforcing the zero-tolerance stance against racism in football. ## Wider implications and ongoing racism cases The introduction of these rules follows ongoing concerns about racism in football, highlighted by multiple reported incidents involving Vinicius Junior at Real Madrid. FIFA reiterated its position that anyone found guilty of racist behavior should be permanently removed from the sport. The governing body continues to review and implement measures aimed at eradicating discrimination from the game, with these new regulations marking another step in that direction.