Cristiano Ronaldo may miss the opening match of the 2026 World Cup after he was sent off during Portugal’s 2-0 loss to the Republic of Ireland on Thursday.
ESPN reported that the Al Nassr striker first received a yellow card in the 61st minute for elbowing Ireland defender Dara O’Shea. But after VAR reviewed the incident, the referee changed the card to a straight red. This is Ronaldo’s first ever red card while playing for Portugal in his 226 games for the national team, even though he has been sent off 13 times at club level.
Under FIFA rules, he will serve at least a one match ban in competitive fixtures. The rules also say violent conduct can lead to a ban of at least three matches or more, depending on the seriousness of the elbow.
The punishment cannot be served during friendly matches, meaning the suspension will affect World Cup games if Portugal qualifies.
Portugal entered the match knowing that a win would secure their ticket to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, but two goals from Troy Parrott shocked the visitors.
Portugal still tops Group F with a two point lead over Hungary. A win against Armenia on Sunday will confirm their qualification and give Ronaldo a chance to play in his sixth World Cup.
Before the match, Ronaldo admitted he expected pressure from the Irish fans at the Aviva Stadium. He said, “I really like the fans here. The support they give to the national team it’s lovely. For me, it’s a pleasure to come and play here again. Of course, it will be tough. I hope they don’t boo me too much tomorrow. I swear that I’m going to try to be a good boy.”
After the red card, Ronaldo reacted to the loud jeers from the crowd by clapping slowly and giving two thumbs up, a move many fans saw as sarcastic.
His history with Irish fans has been tense. In the last meeting between both sides, he was accused of influencing the referee during the build up to a late winning goal scored by Rúben Neves.
