Paraguayan footballer, attacking midfielder for Newcastle United and the Paraguay national team
The World Cup faces scrutiny as mandatory three‑minute hydration breaks are debated amid concerns about heat safety, momentum loss, and commercial interests across host cities.
FIFA has enforced new on-field rules at the 2026 World Cup that have provoked disputes: Miguel Almirón has received the tournament's first red card for covering his mouth, broadcasters and fans have criticised mandatory three-minute hydration breaks, and a VAR official was investigated over a hand gesture but cleared. Players, coaches and commentators are publicly divided.
Paraguay has earned a 1-0 victory over Turkey, with Matias Galarza scoring the fastest goal of the tournament. Paraguay played most of the second half with 10 men after Miguel Almiron was sent off; the result secures the United States as Group D winners and leave Turkey facing elimination.