Jude Bellingham became the center of a World Cup 2026 controversy after he covered his mouth during England’s 0-0 draw with Ghana on Monday and was not punished. The incident came after a Paraguay player was sent off in a 1-0 win over Turkey for a similar gesture while speaking to an opponent, prompting criticism over whether FIFA’s new rule is being enforced consistently.
The discrepancy led to heavy reaction online and in the media, with many questioning why two apparently similar cases produced different outcomes. Spanish commentator Ivan Blanco was among the most vocal critics. He wrote that the issue was less the rule itself than how it is applied, saying, “It does not seem to me like something that should be a red card, but it was clear this rule would create confusion.” He added that it was “ridiculous” that one player was dismissed while Bellingham was not, but said that if a standard has been set, it should be applied consistently.
The rule introduced by IFAB does not automatically require a red card for covering the mouth. A player is only punished if the gesture is made in a mocking, insulting, or provocative exchange with an opponent, or in a similar context. FIFA said that when the conversation is ordinary or friendly, there is no offense, and that the referee’s decision depends on context, not just the gesture itself.
According to FIFA’s interpretation, there was no contradiction between the two incidents. The Paraguay player was judged to have acted in circumstances that justified a dismissal, while referees and VAR did not identify insulting, mocking, or provocative behavior by Bellingham toward Jordan Ibe. Still, the cases continue to fuel debate over where the new rule’s limits should be drawn and how it is being applied at the tournament.
