World Cup officials enforce a strict new rule that mandates an immediate red card for players covering their mouths during verbal confrontations. This directive became a focal point during England's World Cup semi-final against Argentina, where Leandro Paredes attempted to get Harry Kane sent off after Kane briefly covered his mouth while speaking to the referee, Ismail Elfath. Paredes' actions raised eyebrows, with former England goalkeeper Joe Hart calling him "pathetic" for his attempts to influence the match.

This rule has already seen implementation at the tournament, with Piero Hincapié of Ecuador and Miguel Almirón of Paraguay both receiving red cards for similar actions. Almirón was the first to face punishment, being sent off during a group match against Turkey despite Paraguay winning 1-0. Hincapié's red card came in a 2-0 loss to Mexico, highlighting the strict enforcement of this new guideline.

FIFA established this rule, known as the "Prestianni Law," to combat players hiding abusive language. The change was championed by FIFA president Gianni Infantino following accusations against Gianluca Prestianni for attempting to conceal racially charged comments during a Champions League match. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) approved the guideline, allowing tournament organizers like FIFA to impose it.

Receiving a red card at the World Cup results in an immediate ejection from the match and a one-game suspension for the next match, forcing teams to play with 10 players, significantly impacting their performance.