Cristiano Ronaldo is set to avoid a ban for the start of Portugal’s 2026 World Cup campaign despite his red card against the Republic of Ireland.
A FIFA disciplinary committee has imposed a three-match suspension, but the final two matches have been suspended for one year on probation, provided there is no similar infringement during that period. Ronaldo was sent off after appearing to swing an elbow at Ireland defender Dara O’Shea during a World Cup qualifier earlier this month. He has already served a one-match suspension in Portugal’s final qualifier against Armenia.
FIFA said: “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.”
The decision comes days after Ronaldo attended a White House black tie dinner alongside US President Donald Trump, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
Sky Sports News chief correspondent Kaveh Solhekol said that under normal circumstances Ronaldo should be suspended for Portugal’s first two World Cup games, but suggested there is “nothing normal” about the Portugal superstar. Supporters will argue he is being treated differently because of his status; others say serious foul play should attract a two-match ban and violent conduct three. Solhekol added that the unprecedented decision suits both Ronaldo and FIFA. It was also noted that this was Ronaldo’s first red card in 226 internationals.
When is the 2026 World Cup draw?
The draw for the 2026 World Cup will take place in Washington on December 5 at 17:00 UK time (12:00 local). Donald Trump will join Gianni Infantino at the John F. Kennedy Center to decide the group stage fixtures. When announcing the draw venue, Trump called the World Cup “the biggest event in sports”, while Infantino described the 104 matches as like “104 Super Bowls”.
World Cup 2026 match schedule
FIFA has confirmed key dates and venues ahead of the draw. The opening match will be in Mexico City and the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
– Group stage: June 11-27
– Round of 32: June 28 to July 3
– Round of 16: July 4-7
– Quarter-finals: July 9-11
– Semi-finals: July 14-15
– Third-place play-off: July 18
– Final: July 19