Rafael Leao was sent off during Portugal’s friendly against Chile, but FIFA regulations suggest the AC Milan winger is unlikely to miss any matches at the 2026 World Cup.
Rafael Leao’s involvement in Portugal’s World Cup preparations took an unexpected turn on Saturday after the winger was shown a straight red card during a heated friendly victory over Chile.
The Portugal international started the match as Roberto Martinez’s side secured a 2-1 win thanks to goals from Goncalo Guedes and Bruno Fernandes, but the contest was overshadowed by a confrontation just before half-time.
Tensions flared following a clash involving Joao Cancelo and Chile players Ivan Ramon and Felipe Faundez, with several players from both teams becoming involved as tempers boiled over.
Leao entered the incident as officials attempted to restore order, but television footage showed the AC Milan attacker raising his hands towards Ramon and pushing him around the neck during the altercation.
🚨🚨🚨 𝗠𝗔𝗝𝗢𝗥 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: STRAIGHT RED CARD FOR RAFAEL LEAO FOR PUNCHING SOMEONE IN THE FACE! pic.twitter.com/c02NS9izUW
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) June 6, 2026
The referee responded by issuing straight red cards to both Leao and Ramon, bringing an early end to the Portuguese star’s evening and raising questions about his availability for upcoming matches.
Under Article 69 of FIFA’s disciplinary code, any player sent off during an international friendly must serve a suspension in the next match played by their national team.
For Leao, that would mean missing Portugal’s final World Cup warm-up fixture against Nigeria on June 10.
There remains a possibility of additional punishment if FIFA determines the incident constituted serious violent conduct. However, reports suggest that governing bodies rarely impose extended suspensions unless cases involve discrimination, assault on officials, or particularly severe misconduct.
🚨🇵🇹𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: After having picked up a red card against Chile yesterday, Rafael Leão is set to miss Portugal’ next friendly against Nigeria on Wednesday.
As he was booked for Violent Conduct, his suspension could potentially be extended to 4 matches, meaning he would… pic.twitter.com/0Wzu5kh1PB
— The Touchmine | 𝐓 (@TouchmineX) June 7, 2026
As a result, Leao is currently expected to serve a one-match ban and return in time for Portugal’s opening fixture at the 2026 World Cup, with no indication at this stage that his participation in the tournament itself is under threat.
