Cristiano Ronaldo is at risk of sitting out Portugal’s first match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after being shown the first red card of his international career during their 2–0 loss to the Republic of Ireland on Thursday.
The Al Nassr forward was originally booked in the 61st minute for catching Irish defender Dara O’Shea with his elbow while contesting a high ball.
But after a VAR check, the referee rescinded the yellow and issued a straight red card, ruling the incident as violent conduct.
This is the first time Ronaldo has been sent off in 226 games for Portugal, though he has accumulated 13 red cards throughout his club career.
FIFA’s disciplinary guidelines state that violent conduct results in at least a one-match ban, which can be increased to a three-game suspension or more depending on the seriousness of the offense.
Importantly, such suspensions only count for official competitive matches and cannot be served in pre-tournament friendlies.
Portugal had entered the match needing a win to clinch automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Instead, a brace from Troy Parrott handed Roberto Martínez’s team an unexpected defeat at the Aviva Stadium.
Despite the loss, Portugal remains at the top of Group F, leading Hungary by two points. A win over Armenia on Sunday would secure qualification and likely ensure Ronaldo’s availability for what would be his record-setting sixth World Cup.
Before kickoff, Ronaldo admitted that playing in Dublin is always challenging due to the atmosphere, though he praised the passion of the Irish supporters.
“I love the fans here,” he said. “They create such a great environment for their team. It’s always a pleasure to play here. It won’t be easy, of course. I just hope they don’t boo me too much tomorrow. I promise I’ll try to behave.”
However, after being sent off, the 39-year-old responded to taunts from the home crowd with sarcastic applause and exaggerated thumbs-up gestures as he left the field.
Ronaldo’s connection with Irish supporters has been strained for some time. In the previous meeting between both teams, he was accused of influencing the referee moments before Rúben Neves scored a controversial stoppage-time winner for Portugal.
