Cristiano Ronaldo Faces World Cup Opening Ban After First Career Red Card
Posted : 14 November 2025
Cristiano Ronaldo could miss Portugal’s opening match at the 2026 World Cup after receiving the first red card of his 226-game international career for an elbow on Ireland’s Dara O’Shea.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez described the decision as harsh but accepted the referee’s call, while Ronaldo will serve a one-game suspension in Sunday’s qualifier against Armenia.
FIFA is reviewing whether the offense warrants a longer ban, which could affect his participation in the World Cup, though pre-tournament friendlies do not count toward any suspension.