Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to avoid a suspension for Portugal’s opening World Cup match despite receiving a red card against Ireland.
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee imposed a three-game suspension, but if there is no similar violation during the suspended period, the final two games will be a one-year suspension.
Ronaldo was shown a red card for appearing to elbow Ireland defender Dara O’Shea during a World Cup qualifier earlier this month.
He had already received a one-match suspension for Portugal’s final qualifying match against Armenia.
If Ronaldo commits another violation of a similar nature, these two matches will automatically count towards the Portugal national team’s next competitive match, which will be the opening game of the World Cup group stage.
Ronaldo appeared to elbow Dara O’Shea during Portugal’s game against Ireland on November 13th.
Liam Scales gestured with an elbow action
FIFA said in a statement: “In accordance with Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, he will be suspended for the remaining two matches under a one-year suspended sentence.”
“If Cristiano Ronaldo commits another serious violation of a similar nature during his trial period, the suspension provided for in the disciplinary action shall be deemed to be automatically revoked and must be implemented immediately in the next official matches of the Portuguese national team for the remaining two matches.”
“This does not affect any further sanctions that may be imposed for new violations. The three-match suspension may be appealed to the FIFA Appeals Committee.”
The decision came days after Ronaldo attended a black-tie dinner at the White House with US President Donald Trump, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
“Unprecedented decision suits Ronaldo and FIFA”
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Sky Sports News chief correspondent Kaveh Solgecol has confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo intends to avoid a suspension for Portugal’s opening World Cup match, despite his red card against the Republic of Ireland.
Kaveh Solhekol of Sky Sports News:
Under normal circumstances, Ronaldo would have been suspended for Portugal’s first two World Cup matches, but there is nothing normal about the Portuguese superstar.
Ronaldo’s legions of fans will say it’s no wonder their hero is treated differently than other players.
After all, his red card was his first sending off in 226 international matches. Some might say that rules are rules. Serious misconduct means a two-game suspension, while violent behavior means a three-game suspension.
What cannot be denied is that this unprecedented decision suits Ronaldo and FIFA.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s yellow card escalated to red card against Ireland
When is the 2026 World Cup draw?
The 2026 World Cup draw will take place in Washington on December 5 at 5pm UK time (12pm local time).
Mr. Trump will join Mr. Infantino at the John F. Kennedy Center, the performing arts venue where Mr. Trump is chairman, to determine the group stage pairings.
When announcing the lottery venue at the White House in August, President Trump said the World Cup was “the biggest event in sports,” while Infantino declared the 104 games would be like “the 104th Super Bowl.”
2026 World Cup Match Schedule
The full match list, including group games and kick-off times, will be available after the draw, but FIFA has already announced the key dates and confirmed that the opening match will be held in Mexico City.
The final game will be held at New York/New Jersey (MetLife) Stadium, home of the New York Giants and New York Jets.
Group Stage: June 11th-27th
Round of 32: June 28th to July 3rd
Round 16: July 4-7
Quarterfinals: July 9th-11th
Semi-finals: July 14th-15th
3rd place match (“Bronze Final”): July 18th
Last day: July 19th
