Ecuador's Piero Hincapie (3) leaves the pitch after receives a red card during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Mexico and Ecuador in Mexico City, Tuesday, June 30, 2026. (Photo | AP)
Football

Ecuador's Hincapié becomes the second player sent off for covering his mouth at the World Cup

While Ecuador's tournament is over, Hincapié will be suspended for the team's next international match.

Associated Press

MEXICO CITY: Ecuador's Piero Hincapié became the second player to be issued a red card at the World Cup under FIFA's new rule that calls for a player to be sent off for covering their mouth during a confrontational exchange with an opponent.

Hincapié was sent off in the 95th minute of Ecuador's 2-0 loss to Mexico Tuesday in the round of 32. He was shown the red card following an exchange with Mexico forward Santi Giménez.

FIFA established the new rule to prevent players from hiding abusive comments to opponents by covering their mouth.

Paraguay's Miguel Almirón was the first player to be punished under the new rule when he was sent off in a group stage match against Turkey last week.

While Ecuador's tournament is over, Hincapié will be suspended for the team's next international match.

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