Cristiano Ronaldo learns extent of ban for red card incident in Portugal's loss to Ireland ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup: Reports

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo will reportedly be available for their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener. The forward's suspension has been reduced to one match, and he served it against Armenia in the final qualifier earlier this month.

According to a report in the Record, FIFA have reviewed the appeal from the Portuguese Football Federation and have reduced the two-match suspension. The forward was sent off in the loss to Ireland earlier this month after elbowing Dara O'Shea inside the box.

The Al-Nassr superstar was given a straight red card after the referee was sent to the monitor. The sending off resulted in a two-match ban, but the Portuguese Football Federation appealed to have it reduced to one match.

Portugal manager Roberto Martinez spoke about the red card after the game, calling it harsh. He claimed that the national team captain was unlucky with the sending off, adding that the VAR did not review the right angle before making the decision. He said (via Ojogo):

"Of course, we did. I think it's difficult for a player like Cristiano, who is in the box. And today he had two defenders always with physical contact. There is no violence. He tries to remove the defender and it was unlucky that the VAR consideration... The angle of the images [makes it seem] worse than what happened. It's Ronaldo's first red card in the national team, it's incredible."

Cristiano Ronaldo missed the final FIFA World Cup qualifier, which sealed their place in the 2026 edition. Portugal won the match 9-1 despite the captain missing the match, and finished on top of their group.

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo admits 2026 FIFA World Cup will be his last

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo spoke to the media earlier this month, admitting that the 2026 FIFA World Cup would be his final edition. He pointed to his age as the key reason for his decision and said (via SportStar):

"Definitely, yes. I'm gonna be 41 years old and I think it will be the moment. Let's be honest, when I mean soon, it's probably one or two years, I'll still be at the game."

Cristiano Ronaldo will create his history when he plays his first match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He will become the first footballer to play in six editions of the World Cup, and will share the honor with Lionel Messi, if the two captains are fit and lead their national teams.