Portugal can plan to start the 2026 World Cup with captain Cristiano Ronaldo.
FIFA’s disciplinary committee handed out a one-game ban and two more “suspended” after the Portuguese star striker’s red card in the qualifying game against Ireland. Ronaldo has already served his ban for the recent 9-1 win against Armenia.
As things currently stand, there is nothing standing in the way of Ronaldo being deployed at the start of the World Cup group phase if he behaves in an exemplary manner in the coming months.
“If Cristiano Ronaldo commits another offense of a similar nature and severity during the probation period, the ban set out in the disciplinary decision will be automatically lifted and the remaining two games must be served immediately,” FIFA said in a press statement in response to a SID request.
Video: Historic Ronaldo red causes malice in Ireland
Ronaldo was sent off for the first time in the Seleção jersey in the 2-0 defeat against Ireland in his 226th international match. The 40-year-old was shown a red card in the 61st minute for an elbow strike. It was the 13th sending off of his professional career. The Portuguese association then announced that it wanted to fight against a longer ban for the multiple world footballer.
Ronaldo has the chance to make history at the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico. He would be the first footballer to play in his sixth World Cup.