“Suspensions ignored and now the easiest draw” - Fans make controversial claim on Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal’s FIFA World Cup draw

Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal have learned their opponents for the group phase of the 2026 World Cup following the draw held at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., on Friday, December 5.

Portugal, who qualified for their seventh World Cup on the spin, were placed in Group K alongside the winner of Play-Off Tournament 1 (to be contested in March between New Caledonia, Jamaica, and the Democratic Republic of Congo). Their two other opponents are debutants Uzbekistan and the 2024 Copa America runners-up, Colombia.

Ronaldo, who has confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will be his last, will look to lead Selecao to glory in North America next summer. The 40-year-old has been declared eligible to play Portugal’s World Cup opening games after his ban was suspended by FIFA.

Cristiano Ronaldo was given his marching orders during the FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland last month. He was initially set to be suspended for three matches but had his second and third matches suspended for a year.

The decision to reduce Ronaldo’s ban had sparked outrage from fans, and after the full draws were announced, fans found another fault, deeming Portugal’s group as one of the easiest.

One wrote:

“The World Cup Draw was just rigged for Portugal. Norway should have been in their group. FIFA boy strikes again.”

MinguezaSZN 🇵🇱

@TrustInOscar

The World Cup Draw was just rigged for Portugal. Norway should have been in their group. FIFA boy strikes again.

Another echoed the same sentiments and said Portugal won’t win it.

Fawaz🦅

@King__Fawaz

This world cup draw. Just rigged for Portugal lol. But still they won't win 😂😂😂

A third added:

“Portugal winning a corrupt world cup, suspensions ignored and now the easiest draw ...”

Stephen Thorndyke🌻

@Zipperslf

Portugal winning a corrupt world cup, suspensions ignored and now the easiest draw ...

Another warned the Nations League holders against writing off other teams, saying:

“Funniest part I'd Ronaldo has the easiest group but they can be knocked out if not careful. They shouldn't underestimate Colombia that's my own.”

__.emeraldd

@emeraldd397434

@thescreenlad Funniest part I'd ronaldo has the easiest group but they can be knocked out if not careful. They shouldn't underestimate Colombia that's my own

dolapo 🇦🇷🇪🇸

@ArinolaDolapo4

@thescreenlad Portugal. They are going to farm seriously

Reginaldo Rosario

@Regi1700

Portugal will play one of DR Congo/Jamaica/New Caledonia in their World Cup opener in Houston or Mexico City. Relatively kind draw for Roberto Martinez's side. #FIFAWorldCup

Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal were eliminated in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup by Morocco. Their first rival at next year’s Mundial will be the winner of the FIFA Play-Off 1.

What FIFA said about reducing the red card ban of Portugal team captain Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo served the first match of his ban in Portugal’s last World Cup qualifying match against Armenia and will be able to play their opening game in June 2026.

On the red card suspension, FIFA released a statement explaining that Ronaldo’s second and third suspensions were suspended, meaning if he commits a similar offense, then the two matches held in suspension will be served.

It read:

"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."

Ronaldo’s participation in the 2026 World Cup will see him set a record as the player with the most appearances (six) in the tournament.