After assault in qualifying game
Ronaldo’s ban is certain – the verdict is surprising
November 25, 2025 – 8:18 p.mReading time: 1 min.
In the game against Ireland, the Portuguese saw a red card for the first time in a Portugal jersey. It is now clear how long “CR7” will be missing from his team – if at all.
Cristiano Ronaldo can play for Portugal at the start of the 2026 World Cup. The world association Fifa gave the captain a one-game ban after his red card in the qualifying game against Ireland – and also suspended two more games. The 40-year-old has already served his ban in the 9-1 win against Armenia.
From a disciplinary perspective, there is nothing standing in the way of the Portuguese playing at the start of the World Cup – provided Ronaldo does not have another similar incident 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 response to a SID request.
The red card against Ireland was Ronaldo’s first sending off in the national jersey – and the 13th of his professional career. In his 226th international match he was shown a red card in the 61st minute for an elbow strike. The Portuguese association then campaigned for a lighter punishment.
Should Ronaldo be nominated for the “Seleção”, he would take part in his sixth World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico – something no other player has achieved so far.