Piero Hincapié sees red for mouth-covering as Ecuador exits World Cup
Ecuadorian defender Piero Hincapié became the second player dismissed at the 2026 World Cup under FIFA’s new mouth-covering rule following a heated stoppage-time altercation with Mexico’s Santiago Giménez.
Ecuador defender Piero Hincapié was sent off deep into stoppage time on Tuesday night, becoming the latest high-profile casualty of FIFA’s strict new disciplinary mandates.
The dramatic incident unfolded in the 95th minute of Ecuador’s frustrating 2-0 Round of 32 defeat against Mexico at the Estadio Azteca, compounding the South American nation’s painful tournament exit.
The expulsion occurred after Hincapié covered his mouth while exchanging words with Mexican substitute forward Santiago Giménez. Following a swift pitchside VAR review, the referee issued a straight red card.
Hincapié joins Paraguay’s Miguel Almirón as the only players penalized under the anti-discrimination regulation, which completely bans players from concealing on-pitch verbal confrontations from officials.
