Forward of the Portuguese national team Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off in the 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Ireland.
In one of the episodes that occurred in the second half of yesterday’s match, Ronaldo blatantly hit an opponent — defender Dara O’Shea. After reviewing the video replay, the main referee of the match showed the star Portuguese player a direct red card.
Ronaldo will now miss not only the last qualifying match against Armenia but also could be disqualified for at least the first game of the final round of the 2026 World Cup if Portugal qualifies for the tournament.
FIFA’s disciplinary rules require a suspension of «at least two matches for gross misconduct.» Additionally, the disqualification should be «at least three matches for violent conduct» or «at least three matches for assault, including elbowing,» explains ESPN.
It should be noted that this is Ronaldo’s first dismissal in his career for the Portuguese national team.