Cristiano Ronaldo has escaped any FIFA World Cup match ban as he receives only a one-match ban for his red card against the Republic of Ireland in Portugal’s penultimate World Cup qualifier.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was sent off after elbowing Dara O’Shea off the ball and was set for a three-match ban for ‘violent conduct’. However, FIFA’s disciplinary committee have ruled that the Portugal captain’s actions were only worth a one-game ban, which he has already served after he missed Roberto Martinez’s squad for the 9-1 win over Armenia.
Dara O’Shea of Republic of Ireland reacts after being fouled by Cristiano Ronaldo during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
Ronaldo is now expected to lead Portugal at the 2026 World Cup in North America.
A FIFA statement said: “The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has imposed a three-match ban on Cristiano Ronaldo following his direct red card at the FIFA World Cup 2026 preliminary competition match between the Republic of Ireland and Portugal played in Dublin on 13 November 2025. The first of the three matches was served in the encounter Portugal v. Armenia played on 16 November 2025.
“In line with article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the serving of the two remaining matches has been suspended under a one-year probation period.
“If Cristiano Ronaldo commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension set out in the disciplinary decision shall be deemed automatically revoked and the remaining two matches must be served immediately at the next official match(es) of the Portuguese representative team.
“This is without prejudice to any additional sanctions imposed for the new infringement. The three-match suspension is subject to appeal to the FIFA Appeal Committee.”
Speaking about Ronaldo’s potential ban, Portugal boss Roberto Martinez called for leniency.
“I saw his reaction to a provocation. It started at the beginning of the game, in every play in the penalty area. It even started the day before in the press conference,” he said.
“It’s not a violent action, it’s not a red card for violence, but a reaction to a provocation. We need to try to show the case and prepare well. I would say it would be very unfair to impose a long suspension.”
The Al Nassr forward has not shown any signs of complacency as he continues to shine for club and country.
Ronaldo and his Portugal teammates will find out who they will face in their World Cup opener when the final draw takes place in Washington on December 5.
