Will Cristiano Ronaldo miss opening game of FIFA World Cup 2026 for Portugal?

The portuguese star was shown a red card following a 2-1 loss to Ireland.

After being sent off against Ireland, Cristiano Ronaldo now risks a suspension that might last until for the opening matche of 2026 FIFA World Cup. According to FIFA rules, the elbow strike could result in a suspension of up to three official matches.

Cristiano Ronaldo was at the centre of the drama in Dublin. He was once again in the headlines but this time after receiving his first red card for Portugal in 22 years and more than 220 games.

Portugal were trailing 2-0 against Ireland and needed a victory to qualify for the 2026 World Cup; thus, the dismissal occurred at a crucial moment.

It all started when Cristiano Cristiano lost hold during a struggle with Dara O’Shea inside the box in the 61st minute. After a VAR review, the Portuguese star’s direct elbow was upgraded from a yellow card by referee Glenn Nyberg to a red card for aggressive behaviour.

Chaos ensued from that point on: the captain’s furious departure was accompanied by ironic gestures, applause for the referee, and altercations with Irish supporters.

For how many matches will Cristiano Ronaldo be suspended?

It wasn’t a straightforward altercation that led to Cristiano Ronaldo’s removal from the game. Elbows, punches, kicks, and strikes are all considered aggressive or violent behaviour by FIFA. The FIFA Disciplinary Code is clear in these situations: “At least three matches of suspension for assaulting an opponent.”

This implies that Portugal’s final qualifier next week is not the only event impacted by the red card. It makes a far heavier suspension possible. Cristiano Ronaldo would miss the match against Armenia and any next two official games if he received a minimum three-match suspension.

Most significantly, the suspension would carry over into the opening matches of 2026 World Cup as Portugal have no further qualifying games.

The range of options are now evident:

• If FIFA finds “violent conduct,” there will be a minimum three-match punishment.
• At least two games if it is deemed to be “serious foul play.”
• If proven to be aggressive without challenging the ball, the ban will be prolonged.

Ronaldo has already confirmed that 2026 FIFA World Cup will be his final and has also talked a lot about retirement recently. So it will be really sad to see him possibly miss Portugal’s opening match of the tournament.

Fans from all around the globe will be hoping that the suspension is only one match and that their favourite star is available for every minute of the grand tournament.

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