The Paraguay national football team beat Turkey 1-0 in the World Cup 2026, but the red card given to Miguel Almirón for covering his mouth sparked controversy and will keep him out of the next match. The Paraguay national football team won 1-0 against Turkey at the Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, in a match corresponding to the second day of Group D. Paraguayan midfielder Miguel Almirón became the first footballer to receive a direct red card for covering his mouth. The red card means that Almirón will miss the last group stage match against Australia, with the second place in Group D at stake. Paraguay's coach, Gustavo Alfaro, criticized the severity of the officials and said they are playing «a new sport». The incident that marked the match occurred in the first half's added time, after an infringement in the middle of the field. Almirón exchanged words with Turkish defender Mert Müldür while deliberately covering his mouth with his hand. The application of this rule generated deep indignation in the Paraguayan coach. Despite playing the entire second half with ten men, the South American team stood firm defensively to safeguard the lead in the score and add their first three points in the tournament. The bad news for the Albirroja is that Almirón will miss the crucial match against Australia, where the qualification for the round of 16 will be at stake. The impact of the Newcastle United midfielder on the Paraguayan scheme is total, so the technical team awaits with uncertainty the final report from the disciplinary committee. The Paraguay national football team achieved a heroic 1-0 victory over Turkey, but Almirón's red card sparked controversy and will keep him out of the next match. The Salvadoran referee Iván Barton reviewed the action on VAR and applied the rule known internally as «Presumption of guilt» in a strict manner. This measure, promoted by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, aims to eradicate racist insults and discriminatory behavior that footballers try to hide from lip readers. The Paraguayan team must now focus on the next match against Australia, where they will seek to add points and advance in the tournament. Paraguay's coach, Gustavo Alfaro, must find a way to replace Almirón and maintain the team's effectiveness. The victory over Turkey was an important step for the Paraguay national football team, but Almirón's red card generated uncertainty and will keep him out of the next match.