Ecuador defender Piero Hincapié has become the second player to be sent off under FIFA’s newly introduced mouth-covering regulation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following a dramatic incident during Ecuador’s 2-0 defeat to Mexico in the Round of 32.

The controversial moment unfolded deep into stoppage time of the second half with Ecuador already trailing by two goals. Hincapié was involved in a heated exchange with Mexico striker Santiago Giménez and appeared to cover his mouth while confronting the forward.

Giménez quickly alerted referee Slavko Vinčić, prompting the official to consult the pitch-side monitor. After reviewing the footage, Vinčić showed Hincapié a straight red card, making him the latest player to fall foul of FIFA’s strict new disciplinary measure.

The dismissal capped a frustrating evening for Ecuador, who were unable to find a way back into the contest as Mexico sealed a comfortable 2-0 victory and secured their place in the Round of 16. The Mexicans will now face either England or DR Congo for a place in the quarter-finals.

Hincapié’s red card is only the second issued under the new rule, which was introduced specifically for the 2026 World Cup. FIFA implemented the regulation to discourage players from concealing their mouths during confrontations with opponents or match officials, a move aimed at increasing transparency and helping referees assess on-field incidents more accurately.

The rule emerged following controversy in a UEFA Champions League match involving Benfica youngster Gianluca Prestianni and Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior in February. During that encounter, Prestianni reportedly covered his mouth while making comments toward the Brazilian forward, making it difficult for officials to determine exactly what had been said.

In response, FIFA empowered referees to issue straight red cards to players who deliberately hide their mouths during confrontations, arguing that the measure would improve accountability and reduce opportunities for verbal misconduct to go undetected.

The first player to be punished under the regulation was Paraguay winger Miguel Almirón, who received a red card during Paraguay’s 1-0 group-stage victory over Turkey earlier in the tournament.

With two dismissals already recorded, the new rule is rapidly becoming one of the most talked-about officiating changes at the 2026 World Cup, sending a clear message that FIFA intends to take a tougher stance on player conduct during heated exchanges.