Why Was Ecuador Star Piero Hincapie Sent Off in 95th Minute vs. Mexico?
Ecuador's World Cup hopes came to a heartbreaking end on Tuesday night at the hands of co-host nation Mexico. Unfortunately for Ecuador star Piero Hincapie, he was not able to see out the match.
Hincapie was sent off in the dying moments of the game. The Arsenal center-back received a straight red card in the 95th minute for a blatant violation of one of the new rules enforced in this year's World Cup.
Hincapie was seen exchanging words with Mexican striker Santiago Gimenez deep into stoppage time. The latter immediately alerted the match referee after the exchange, prompting a VAR review.
It is unclear what Hencapie said, but the fact that he covered his mouth during the exchange resulted in a straight red.
PIERO HINCAPIE MENGULANGI KESALAHAN RADITYA DIKA!! MENUTUPI MULUTNYA SAAT KONFRONTASI DENGAN LAWAN!!!
— Siaran Bola Live (@SiaranBolaLive) July 1, 2026
RED CARD pic.twitter.com/hYLrXxZwQt
According to the rulebook, any player who covers their mouth with a hand, arm or shirt during a confrontation with an opponent will be punished with a red card.
This is the second time this new rule has been enforced in the tournament after Paraguay's Miguel Almiron was sent off for a similar offense in their Group Stage match against Turkey.
Mexico End Ecuador's World Cup Journey
The Mexicans turned in a strong performance in Tuesday's Round of 32 clash.
Julian Quinones opened the scoring with a stunning individual effort in the 22nd minute. Raul Jimenez doubled the lead shortly after with a decisive strike in the 31st minute.
Mexico's defensive prowess was on full display on the evening. They limited Ecuador to just one shot on target on eight attempts.
Mexico won the match, 2-0, marking their fourth consecutive clean sheet.
They are now headed to the Round of 16, where they will face the winner of the England-Democratic Republic of Congo match.
Related: Mexico FIFA Ranking: What Is Their Position Before Facing Ecuador at the World Cup?
Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published June 30, 2026 at 11:34 PM.