Although facing a potential three-match ban, the Portuguese star has for now served just a single game.
Good news for Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo. The football superstar has avoided a multi-match suspension for a serious foul against the Republic of Ireland and will be able to play at the start of the upcoming World Cup.
Earlier this month, during a World Cup qualifying match, Portugal lost 2-0 to Ireland. Ronaldo was shown a red card for elbowing opponent defender Dara O’Shea.
Under FIFA rules, violent conduct typically carries a three-match suspension, raising concerns over Ronaldo’s participation in the 2026 World Cup opener. However, the second and third match suspensions have been suspended for one year.
According to a BBC report, FIFA took into account that this was Ronaldo’s first red card in 226 appearances for the national team.
FIFA added in a statement that if Ronaldo commits a similar offense of the same severity within this period, the suspension will be automatically reinstated, and the remaining two matches of the ban will take immediate effect.
The 40-year-old served his one-match suspension on November 16 against Armenia, a game Portugal won 9-1 to secure their World Cup qualification. This means the five-time Ballon d’Or winner will not miss any matches at next year’s tournament.
