FIFA has suspended two of the three games in Cristiano Ronaldo's ban for one year, allowing the Portugal star to play from the opening match of the 2026 World Cup. The decision follows a red card in a qualifier against Ireland. This move has sparked debate over potential special treatment for the veteran forward.
Cristiano Ronaldo received a direct red card during Portugal's FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on November 13, 2025, for elbowing an opponent. This incident led to a three-game suspension from the FIFA Disciplinary Committee.
Ronaldo served the first match of his ban in Portugal's subsequent qualifier against Armenia on November 16, 2025, marking the only game he missed from the suspension so far. The remaining two games have been deferred for one year under Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. As stated by FIFA: “In accordance with Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, enforcement of the remaining two games is suspended for one year. If Cristiano Ronaldo commits another offense of a similar nature and seriousness during the probation period, the suspension set out in the disciplinary decision will be automatically reinstated and the remaining two games must be served immediately in the next official game or games for the Portuguese national team. This is without prejudice to any additional penalties imposed for the new offense.”
This conditional suspension ensures Ronaldo's availability from the first whistle of the 2026 World Cup, potentially allowing him to feature in a sixth tournament. While FIFA has used such deferrals before for players sent off for violent conduct, critics question whether Ronaldo's status as a World Cup star influenced the decision. Reports indicate other players recently punished similarly did not receive the same treatment, fueling speculation about favoritism.
The ruling clears the path for Ronaldo, from Madeira, to participate fully unless he offends again during the probation period.
