The Ecuador team was one of the great disappointments of the 2026 World Cup. The South American team was one of the most outstanding teams in the South American qualifiers. However, the Ecuadorians left, leaving a bad image against Mexico and with one less player on the field due to the expulsion of Piero Hincapié.

For the 2026 World Cup, the IFAB (International Football Association Board) approved a new rule. Any player who covers his mouth when referring to an opponent will be sanctioned with a red card. This “Prestianni Law” affected Piero Hincapié minutes after the game against Mexico ended.

"You learn from mistakes. I didn't want to talk about this, but the expulsion was a mistake. Because of the heat of the match I forgot that you couldn't cover your mouth, I completely forgot," said the Ecuadorian defender.

The Arsenal defender, a club that reached the Champions League final, was self-critical of his performance in the World Cup. Piero Hincapié acknowledged that he still has things to improve.

"I have to improve many things. A human being is not perfect and can make mistakes. But rest assured that I will always give everything for this shirt," he added.

The “Prestianni Law” and the South Americans

This new rule was inspired by the incident between Prestianni and Vinícius Jr. in the UEFA Champions League. A South American footballer was the one who promoted this new rule and, so far, two South Americans are the first to be sanctioned.

Before Piero Hincapié, Miguel Almirón was the first player to receive this disciplinary sanction in the 2026 World Cup. The Paraguayan national team player left his teammates with one less player in the duel against Turkey.