Why doesn’t Cristiano Ronaldo play in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers between Portugal and Armenia?

Cristiano Ronaldo is not in the Portuguese squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Armenia, which will be played in Porto on Sunday.

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The fate of Group F will be decided next Sunday. On one side, Portugal faces Armenia, while Hungary plays Ireland at the same time. The combination of these results will determine which team secures its place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will advance to the play-offs.

Portugal must win this match against Armenia to qualify directly for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Despite the importance of the match, Cristiano Ronaldo will not be on the pitch.

Why doesn’t Cristiano Ronaldo play in Portugal versus Armenia?

Potugal’s captain was sent off during Thursday’s match between Portugal and Ireland, which ended in a 0-2 defeat for Roberto Martinez’s side.

The 40-year-old was sent off in Dublin after catching Dara O’Shea with his elbow.

READ ALSO | Cristiano Ronaldo receives a red card in the 2026 World Cup qualifying match between Ireland and Portugal

For that reason, the attacker has been suspended from playing the match against Armenia.

Published on November 16, 2025