2026 World Cup : Ronaldo faces suspension

Cristiano Ronaldo is at risk of sitting out the start of the 2026 World Cup after being dismissed during Portugal’s 2–0 loss to the Republic of Ireland on Thursday — the first red card of his long international career.

According to ESPN, the incident unfolded shortly after the hour mark when the Al Nassr striker was booked for elbowing Irish defender Dara O’Shea in the 61st minute.

The referee later upgraded the caution to a straight red following a VAR check. The sending-off came in Ronaldo’s 226th appearance for Portugal, a milestone that already stands as a global record in men’s football. He has previously been expelled 13 times at club level.

Under FIFA’s disciplinary guidelines, the 39-year-old is automatically suspended for one competitive match, but the rules also allow for a longer punishment.

Violent conduct, the regulations note, may draw “at least three matches or an appropriate period of time for assault, including elbowing.” Any suspension must be served in official matches, not pre-tournament friendlies, meaning it could roll over into the World Cup next year.

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Portugal travelled to Dublin knowing a victory would secure qualification for the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, but a brace from Troy Parrott handed Ireland a surprise win.

Despite the setback, Portugal stay two points clear of Hungary in Group F and can still clinch their place with a win over Armenia on Sunday — a result that would book Ronaldo’s passage to what would be his sixth World Cup.

Before kick-off, the forward reflected on the atmosphere at the Aviva Stadium and anticipated a hostile reception. 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.”

His dismissal drew an immediate reaction from the terraces, and Ronaldo responded to the jeers with a wry look, clapping slowly and flashing two thumbs up — a gesture many interpreted as sarcastic.

The red card also reignited memories of tensions between Ronaldo and Irish supporters, particularly accusations during the previous meeting that he had exerted undue influence over the referee in the build-up to Rúben Neves’ late winner.