Portugal captain could miss Portugal’s opening two World Cup fixtures
Cristiano Ronaldo could miss up to two games in the 2026 World Cup after being sent off in Portugal’s 2-0 defeat to the Republic of Ireland in Dublin.
The 40-year-old forward was dismissed just past the hour mark for elbowing Dara O’Shea off the ball. The Portugal captain’s action came after Troy Parrott’s two goals had already put the hosts in control and frustrated the Iberians.
Ronaldo will automatically miss Portugal’s final qualifier against Armenia, but the nature of the offence means he could be given a further ban.
A straight red card for violent conduct typically carries a suspension of up to three games. If given the ban in full, Ronaldo would miss Portugal’s opening two World Cup fixtures.
However, matters also depend on how Portugal finish Group F. Should Roberto Martinez’s side top the group and directly qualify, Ronaldo would be unavailable for the first two games of the World Cup.
But if they drop into the playoff route, Portugal will have two more qualifying matches to play and Ronaldo could serve his suspension then. If they still reach the tournament, the team captain will then be available for their group opener in the World Cup.
There was a brief conversation on the touchline as Ronaldo left the pitch against Ireland, ending with a handshake between him and their coach Heimir Hallgrimsson.
Asked about the exchange, Hallgrimsson said: “He complimented me for putting pressure on the referee. It was his action on the pitch that cost him the red card. It had nothing to do with me – unless I got into his head.”
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez said about the red card: “I thought it was a bit harsh. He was 60 minutes or 58 minutes in the box being grabbed, being pulled, being pushed and obviously when he tries to get away from the defender.
“I think the action looks worse than what it actually is, I don’t think it’s an elbow, I think it’s a full body, but from where the camera is, it looks like an elbow.”
