Hincapie sent off for covering his mouth as Ecuador fall to Mexico in World Cup last 32

Piero Hincapie was sent off for covering his mouth in the closing moments of Ecuador’s 2-0 World Cup last-32 defeat to Mexico at the Azteca Stadium on Tuesday night, becoming only the second player dismissed under the tournament’s new rule against concealed communication.

The Arsenal defender, a key figure for Ecuador throughout the tournament, lost his composure in second-half stoppage time while speaking to Mexico striker Santiago Giménez. Hincapie raised his hand to shield his mouth — an automatic red card offence under regulations introduced specifically for this World Cup. The referee confirmed the decision after a VAR review.

Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron had been the first player to fall foul of the rule, receiving his marching orders against Turkey and serving a one-game suspension as a result.

Hincapie’s dismissal was, however, a footnote to a thoroughly dominant Mexican performance. The co-hosts tore into Ecuador from the first whistle, with Julián Quiñones firing in a belting opener in the 22nd minute before teeing up Raúl Jiménez to double the lead nine minutes later. The atmosphere inside the Azteca was electric as Mexico put on a display that left Ecuador with little answer.

The victory ends a painful 40-year wait for Mexico in knockout football, having failed to progress past the round of 16 at previous World Cups. They will now face either England or DR Congo in the last 16, returning to the Azteca on Sunday night.

For Ecuador, the exit is a bitter one. Hincapie had been among their standout performers in the group stage, and his late red card means he would have been suspended for the next match regardless — though that prospect is now moot.