Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo wants to avoid a red card ban at the 2026 World Cup

Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo can play in the opening matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after global football governing body FIFA handed him a partially «suspended» ban following a red card on Tuesday.

The 40-year-old was sent off as Portugal lost 2-0 in Dublin earlier in November when he pushed Dara O’Shea in the back for his first dismissal in 226 international appearances.

FIFA banned Ronaldo for three matches, two of which will be suspended and the other already served, as Portugal sealed their qualification for next summer’s tournament against Armenia.

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“In accordance with Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, serving of the two remaining matches has been suspended with a probationary period of one year,” FIFA said in a statement to AFP.

“If Cristiano Ronaldo commits another offense of similar nature and severity during the trial period, the suspension set out in the disciplinary decision will be automatically revoked and the remaining two matches must be served immediately at the next official (Portugal) matches,” it added.

Ronaldo, the all-time men’s top scorer in international football with 143 goals, aims to play in a sixth World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada next summer.

The former Real Madrid and Manchester United striker, currently with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, has not yet lifted the trophy, but did win the 2016 European Championship with Portugal.

The draw for the group stage of the World Cup will take place on December 5.

Published on November 25, 2025