Cristiano Ronaldo could be banned for the first matches of the 2026 World Cup, but what do FIFA rules stipulate?
Ronaldo received the red card for the first time in his career, in which he played 226 international matches with the Portugal national team, during the 2-0 loss to the Republic of Ireland on Thursday.
The Al-Nassr striker was penalized for violent behavior in the 61st minute after appearing to elbow Dara O’Shea for the initial yellow card. After a VAR review, referee Glenn Nyberg changed his decision to a red card and gave Ronaldo his marching orders despite saying he would be a “good boy” in Dublin during the build-up to the match.
What cannot be disputed is that Ronaldo will receive a mandatory one-match ban, but after a record wait for an international red card, there is now the possibility that he will miss the start of what he previously said would be his last World Cup.
He said: “Definitely yes (this will be my last World Cup) because I will be 41 years old.”
ESPN takes a look at all the ramifications of Ronaldo’s mental fading in Dublin and how costly it could be for not only Ronaldo himself but also Roberto Martinez’s Portuguese side.
What match will Ronaldo definitely miss?
Portugal will be without its star player in its final World Cup qualifier match against Armenia on November 16, a match in which Portugal can secure its place in next summer’s World Cup with just one point or a win.
It’s a crucial match that he could have missed because a defeat for Portugal could mean they drop to second place in the group and in European qualifiers, ask Italy how things usually go with the big nations.
What would happen if Portugal entered the qualifiers?
If Portugal fails to beat Armenia without Ronaldo and one of the two teams gets a result in the Republic of Ireland’s match against Hungary (Ireland would need a big win to snatch away goal difference from Portugal), they will qualify for the European qualifiers.
If they do, the next two competitive matches will be the semi-finals and final, two big matches that Ronaldo could theoretically miss if he is suspended for two or three matches.
– VAR review: Why was Cristiano Ronaldo sent off for Portugal?
– Red card for Cristiano Ronaldo: The Ireland coach says it may have gotten into his head
Ronaldo faces the risk of being suspended from the World Cup after Portugal’s first red card
What if Portugal qualifies automatically?
One point against Armenia on Saturday will be enough to confirm Portugal’s place in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
If they finish top of their group, it means Portugal’s next competitive fixtures will come in next summer’s big event, so if a two- or three-match ban is served, Ronaldo could miss his country’s first two matches and return for his third and final group match.
This is the most likely outcome with Portugal heavily favored to get something from their final qualifier against Armenia, so Ronaldo’s final World Cup could be over before it even begins if his side are indeed facing elimination in their final group game.
Will Ronaldo be suspended for one match, two matches, or three matches?
A red card automatically leads to a one-match suspension, otherwise all power is in the hands of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee.
They will decide whether Ronaldo will be suspended for two or three matches, or even, although it is a very unlikely outcome due to violent behaviour, not receive a further ban at all meaning he will only miss the Armenia match.
The rule states that a ban can be imposed for “at least two matches for serious offences”. It also states that a red for “assault, including elbowing, punching, kicking, biting, spitting or striking an opponent” could result in a three-match ban.
When will FIFA decide the length of the suspension?
There is no set date for the committee to make a decision, but in past cases, they make their ruling at the beginning of the following month, which adds another interesting element to this story as Ronaldo could find out the length of his ban closer to the draw for the tournament in 2026 which is scheduled to take place on December 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.
What did Ronaldo say about his recent participation in the World Cup?
Ronaldo has already confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will be his last, and even said that he may retire after a year or two.
He said: “Definitely yes (this will be my last World Cup) because I will be 41 years old.”
“I feel very good at the moment. I’m scoring goals, I still feel fast and smart, and I’m enjoying my game in the national team.
“Let’s be honest, when I mean soon (the end of his playing career) I mean probably a year or two.
“I’m enjoying the moment. But when I mean close, it’s really close, because I’m giving everything for football. I’ve been in the game for 25 years, I’ve done everything.”
“I have a lot of records. I’m really proud. So let’s enjoy the moment, live it.”
