Portugal and Al-Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo is at risk of missing the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage through suspension, following his red card against Ireland in a qualifier on Thursday.
The veteran was sent off after he elbowed Dara O’Shea, with his dismissal being confirmed after a VAR check. Portugal’s team was unable to mount a comeback with a man’s disadvantage at the Aviva Stadium, ultimately losing after a Troy Parrott brace put Ireland in control.
World Cup Qualification Scenarios
Portugal remains in pole position to qualify automatically from Group F, but the red card has complicated their path.
- A victory at home to Armenia will secure automatic qualification.
- Dropped points against Armenia could open the door for Hungary and Ireland—who meet in Sunday’s other key game—and force Portugal into a tougher playoff route.
Ronaldo’s final fate will hinge on the length of the ban imposed by FIFA and Portugal’s ultimate route to qualification:
- Scenario 1 (Automatic Qualification with Two-Game Ban): If Portugal qualify automatically and Ronaldo receives a two-game ban, he would miss the Armenia qualifier and the World Cup opener.
- Scenario 2 (Playoff Route with Two-Game Ban): If Portugal slips up against Armenia, a two-game ban would mean Ronaldo misses the first leg of a potential playoff.
Ronaldo’s Post-Match Comments
Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson revealed what Ronaldo said to him following the red card incident.
“He complimented me for putting pressure on the referee,” Hallgrimsson said when asked by reporters. “But listen, it had nothing to do with me, it was his action on the pitch that cost him a red card. It had nothing to do with me, unless I got into his head.”
The outcome of the disciplinary review will be crucial for the 41-year-old forward as he aims to feature prominently in what is likely to be his final World Cup tournament.
Source: ESPN
Related Posts:
Cristiano Ronaldo Confirms He Was ‘Close to Joining Arsenal’ Before Man United Move
Erling Haaland Equals Cristiano Ronaldo’s Career-Best 12-Game Scoring Streak
Cristiano Ronaldo Officially Becomes Football’s First Billionaire- Bloomberg Reports
