Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo could miss at least the opening game of the 2026 World Cup after receiving a red card for violent conduct during Portugal’s 2-0 defeat to the Republic of Ireland on Thursday.
The Al Nassr forward was initially shown a yellow card for elbowing Ireland defender Dara O’Shea in the 61st minute.
But, following a VAR review, the referee upgraded the decision to a red card.
It was Ronaldo’s first red card for Portugal in his 226th international appearance.
As per FIFA disciplinary rules, Ronaldo faces a mandatory one-match ban in competitive fixtures.
The regulations state that violent conduct could result in a ban of “at least three matches or an appropriate period of time for assault, including elbowing.”
The ban would apply to competitive games and cannot be served in pre-tournament friendlies.
