Ronaldo was sent off against Ireland and could miss not only a Qualifying match, but also the first games of the 2026 World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo He could be banned for the first matches of the 2026 World Cup. But what exactly do FIFA rules stipulate?
Ronaldo received a red card for the first time in his 226 games with Portugal, during the 2-0 loss to the Republic of Ireland on Thursday.
The forward of the Al Nassr was penalized for violent conduct in the 61st minute after apparently elbowing a Dara O'Shea in an action that had initially been punished with a yellow card. Following the VAR review, referee Glenn Nyberg changed his decision to a straight red and sent off Ronaldo.despite the fact that the player had said in the preview that he would be a “good boy” in Dublin.
What is not in dispute is that Ronaldo will receive a mandatory one-match suspension; However, after so many years without seeing an international red, there is now the possibility that he will also miss the start of what he himself has said will be his last World Cup.
“Certainly, yes, it will be my last World Cup because I will be 41 years old,” he said.
ESPN looks at the full implications of Ronaldo's mistake in Dublin and how costly it could be not only for him, but also for Roberto Martínez's selection.
Which game will Ronaldo miss?
Portugal will not have its captain for the last match of the World Cup qualifiers against Armeniaon November 16, a duel in which Portugal can secure its ticket with only a draw or a victory.
It is one of the most delicate matches in which they could have been absent, because a defeat could send Portugal to second place in the group and to the European playoffs, where historically the great teams suffer.
What happens if Portugal enters the playoffs?
If Portugal does not beat Armenia without Ronaldo and, in addition, Ireland or Hungary obtain a result in their direct duel (Ireland would need a comprehensive victory to overcome the goal difference), Portugal would go to the playoffs.
In that case, their next two official matches would be the semi-final and final of the European playoff. Ronaldo could miss both if he receives a two- or three-match suspension.
What happens if Portugal qualifies directly?
A draw against Armenia would be enough to secure their place in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
If Portugal finishes as leader of the group, their next official matches will come directly in the World Cup. In that scenario, a suspension of two or three games would apply there, so Ronaldo could miss the first two games of the group stage and reappear only in the third.
This is the most likely scenario, given that Portugal is a big favorite against Armenia.
Will the sanction be one, two or three games?
A red card automatically implies a one-match suspension. Everything else depends on the FIFA Disciplinary Committee.
The committee will decide whether Ronaldo receives two matches, three matches or – although highly unlikely for a red card for violent conduct – no further sanction.
The regulations allow for a penalty of “at least two games for serious foul play.” It also states that a red card for “aggression, including elbowing, punching, kicking, biting, spitting or hitting an opponent” can lead to three games of punishment.
When will FIFA decide the duration of the sanction?
There is no fixed date. In previous cases, the decision usually comes at the beginning of the following month, meaning Ronaldo could find out about his punishment close to the 2026 World Cup draw, scheduled for December 5 in Washington DC.
What has Ronaldo said about his last World Cup?
Ronaldo has already confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will be his last and even said that he could retire in “one or two” years.
“Certainly, yes, it will be my last World Cup because I will be 41 years old,” he said.
“Right now I feel very good. I still score goals, I still feel fast and precise, and I am enjoying my game for the national team.”
“Let's be honest: When I say soon, I mean probably a year or two.”
“I'm enjoying the moment. But when I say soon, it's really soon, because I've given everything for football. I've been in the game for the last 25 years, I've done everything.”
“I have a lot of records. I'm very proud. So let's enjoy the moment, let's live in the moment.”
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