Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off as the Republic of Ireland thrashed Portugal 2-0, forcing Roberto Martinez’s side to wait until they qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
The current holders of the Nations League knew they could secure a spot in next summer’s tournament with a win, but Troy Parrott’s double ended that possibility.
Troy Parrott celebrates Republic of Ireland doubling lead over Portugal
The former Tottenham and current AZ Alkmaar striker opened the scoring with a header from close range after 15 minutes and doubled Ireland’s advantage just before half-time.
Portugal’s hopes of a comeback ended as goalkeeper Ronaldo was sent off for elbowing defender Dara O’Shea off the ball.
Cristiano Ronaldo is sent off for a foul on Dara O’Shea
Ronaldo was initially shown a yellow card for the incident, but the warning was upgraded after a VAR check.
The result means Portugal will need to beat Armenia on Sunday to qualify for the World Cup, while Ireland will play Hungary on Sunday, with a win securing at least second place in their group.
Why Ronaldo may miss the start of the World Cup
Cristiano Ronaldo has yellow card upgraded to red card
Ronaldo’s sending off at the Aviva Stadium means he is certain to miss Portugal’s final qualifier against Armenia, having been suspended for at least one match.
However, due to the nature of the red card, the forward could receive a three-match suspension.
Article 14 (i) of Chapter 2 of FIFA’s Disciplinary Regulations states that if a player is sent off for “violent behavior such as elbowing, punching, kicking, biting, spitting or punching an opponent,” he will be suspended for three games.
Cristiano Ronaldo likely to miss opening World Cup due to suspension
In that case, the suspension would carry over into the tournament, meaning Ronaldo would miss the opening two games of the World Cup’s group stage if Portugal tops Group F.
If they finish second in their group and qualify for the play-offs, Ronaldo will be able to play in the opening match even if his suspension is extended.
The duration of the Portugal captain’s suspension will be determined by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee.
France secures World Cup spot while Italy keeps Norway waiting
Kylian Mbappé’s penalty seals France’s place in the 2026 World Cup
Elsewhere, France booked their ticket to North America after Didier Deschamps’ side defeated Ukraine 4-0 at the Parc des Princes with a double appearance from Kylian Mbappé.
Mbappé scored on either side of Michael Oliseh’s goal and Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike rounded out the scoring, sealing Les Bleus’ place after reaching the finals of each of the last two World Cups.
Earlier, Erling Haaland continued his incredible goalscoring run as Norway almost sealed their place with a 4-1 win over Estonia.
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Erling Haaland and his Norwegian teammates celebrated in the locker room after defeating Estonia 4-1 to book their first World Cup appearance in 28 years! Instagram credit: @herrelandslaget
Four goals in 12 minutes of the second half, two of which were scored by the Manchester City striker, gave Stahle Solbakken’s side the lead and left them on the brink of qualifying.
Norway would have secured passage if Italy had failed to place higher against Moldova. However, late goals from Gianluca Mancini and Francesco Pio Esposito delayed the Azzurri from what looked like the inevitable.
Italy defeats Moldova, leaving Norway waiting to qualify for the World Cup
Norway will travel to Italy for the final qualifying match, but the hosts will need to win and score 17 goals to jump over the current top spot in Group I.
