Cristiano Ronaldo is in danger of missing the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after being sent off for violent conduct in Portugal’s 2-0 defeat to the Republic of Ireland on Thursday.
The Al Nassr forward initially received a yellow card in the 61st minute for elbowing Ireland defender Dara O’Shea, but VAR intervened and the referee upgraded the booking to a straight red — the first of Ronaldo’s Portugal career in 226 appearances. He has been sent off 13 times at club level.
Under FIFA’s disciplinary rules, violent conduct carries an automatic one-match suspension, with the possibility of a ban of at least three competitive matches depending on the severity of the offence. The ban cannot be served in friendly games.
Portugal entered the Dublin clash knowing a victory would seal qualification for the 2026 World Cup, but a brace from Troy Parrott stunned Roberto Martínez’s side. Despite the setback, Portugal remain top of Group F, two points ahead of Hungary, and can secure qualification with a win against Armenia on Sunday.
Ahead of the match, Ronaldo had spoken about expecting boos from Irish fans, joking that he hoped to “be a good boy.” After the red card, he reacted to jeers with a wry smile, clapping and giving sarcastic thumbs-up gestures.
The incident adds to a history of tension between Ronaldo and Irish supporters, including claims during the previous meeting that he exerted undue influence on officials before Rúben Neves’ last-minute winner.
