During England's goalless World Cup draw with Ghana, Jude Bellingham was caught on camera talking to opponent Jordan Ayew with his hand over his mouth – an action that, under a controversial new rule, could have seen him sent off. The Real Madrid midfielder escaped punishment, but the incident highlighted a rule change that is already shaping the tournament.
The rule, approved at the FIFA Congress in April 2026, bans players from covering their mouth while speaking to an opponent or match official. It was introduced following a proposal from FIFA in response to an incident in February 2026, when Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni covered his mouth while addressing Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior during a Champions League match. Prestianni was later given a six-match ban after admitting using homophobic language; Vinicius' allegation of racism was found not proven by UEFA's control, ethics and disciplinary body.
“Explains the new FIFA rule banning covering mouth while talking, its origins, penalties, and impact at the 2026 World Cup.”
Any player covering their mouth during a confrontational exchange now faces a straight red card. The first player to be sent off under the rule was Paraguay's Miguel Almiron, who received a one-match suspension after covering his mouth while speaking to Turkey's Mert Muldur during a group-stage match. Paraguay head coach Gustavo Alfaro confirmed Almiron apologised to his teammates, saying: "According to the law, if you cover your mouth, you're sent off. Red card. There's nothing I can do about that."
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has publicly backed the rule. "This thing about covering the mouth is for us a very, very important rule," he told SNTV. "It's about respect; it's about the example that we should give. If you have nothing to hide, you don't cover your mouth when you speak to somebody."
For England fans, the rule adds a new layer of risk for players like Bellingham, who was visibly frustrated during the 0-0 draw. The Three Lions are already dealing with injury concerns: Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice was spotted limping after the game, adding to his ongoing fitness struggles since arriving at the World Cup camp. England's next matches will require discipline and awareness of the new regulation, as any breach could leave them a man down in crucial knockout fixtures.
Q: What exactly does the new rule say? The rule makes it a red-card offence for a player to cover their mouth while talking to an opponent or a match official, especially in confrontational situations. It applies during play and can be enforced by the referee if spotted.
Q: Why was the rule introduced? The rule was introduced after a Champions League incident where Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni covered his mouth while using homophobic language towards Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior. FIFA aimed to prevent players from hiding offensive or discriminatory speech.
Q: What are the penalties for breaking the rule? A player who covers their mouth while speaking to an opponent or official receives a straight red card. The first offender, Paraguay's Miguel Almiron, was given a one-match suspension. The length of any additional ban is decided by FIFA's disciplinary bodies depending on the severity.
What happens next: FIFA has made clear it will enforce the rule strictly throughout the tournament. England's remaining group matches and potential knockout games will test players' discipline, with Bellingham and others now aware that a simple gesture could lead to dismissal.