Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo may miss his nation’s opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a red card in their recent qualifier against the Republic of Ireland. The 40-year-old was sent off after an elbowing incident that drew scrutiny from video assistant referee (VAR) officials.
The incident occurred in the 61st minute of Portugal’s 2-0 defeat to Ireland on Thursday. Ronaldo initially received a yellow card for striking defender Dara O’Shea with his elbow, but a VAR review upgraded the booking to a red card, confirming the offence as violent conduct.
This red card marks Ronaldo’s first dismissal while representing Portugal in his 226th international appearance, adding a significant chapter to his illustrious career. Fans and analysts have debated the severity of the punishment, with the forward widely regarded as a model professional.
Under FIFA disciplinary rules, violent conduct carries a mandatory one-match ban in competitive fixtures. The regulations further indicate that offences such as elbowing an opponent could result in a ban of at least three matches or an appropriate period of suspension depending on the severity of the assault.
The suspension is expected to be applied to competitive World Cup matches, meaning Ronaldo cannot serve it in pre-tournament friendlies. This has raised concerns among Portugal fans and coaching staff about the impact on the squad’s performance in the group stage opener.
Despite the setback, Portugal’s coach and teammates have rallied around Ronaldo, emphasizing the need to focus on team strategy and performance. Analysts suggest Portugal may need to adjust its game plan without their talismanic forward for the opening fixture.
The situation highlights the stringent application of FIFA’s disciplinary regulations and serves as a reminder that even the game’s most celebrated players are subject to strict conduct rules. Ronaldo’s potential absence adds intrigue to Portugal’s 2026 World Cup campaign, with eyes now on FIFA’s official confirmation of the ban.
