Cristiano Ronaldo faces a harsh suspension after being sent off against Ireland

The night in Dublin placed Cristiano Ronaldo at the center of controversy. The Portuguese forward experienced one of the most dramatic moments of his international career after receiving his first-ever red card with Portugal in 22 years and more than 220 matches. The dismissal came at a critical point: Portugal was trailing 2–0 against Ireland and needed a result to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

It all began in the 61st minute, when CR7 lost control during a tussle with Dara O’Shea inside the box. The Portuguese star threw a direct elbow, an action initially punished with a yellow card by referee Glenn Nyberg, but upgraded to a red card for violent conduct after a VAR review. From that moment on, chaos followed: ironic gestures, clapping at the referee, and confrontations with Irish fans marked the captain’s heated exit.

What does FIFA’s rulebook say about this type of aggression?

The incident that removed Cristiano from the match was not a simple clash. FIFA classifies actions such as elbows, punches, kicks, or blows as aggression or violent conduct. For these cases, the FIFA Disciplinary Code is unequivocal:
“At least three matches of suspension for assaulting an opponent.”

This means the red card affects more than just Portugal’s final qualifier. It opens the door to a much harsher punishment. A minimum three-match suspension would rule Cristiano out of the clash against Armenia as well as subsequent official fixtures.

Most importantly, if Portugal no longer has qualifying matches left, the suspension would extend directly into the 2026 World Cup, a scenario rarely seen with a player of his stature.

How many matches could Cristiano Ronaldo miss? The most likely scenario

At this point, the range of possibilities is clear:

• If FIFA determines “violent conduct” → minimum three-match suspension.
• If labeled as “serious foul play” → at least two matches.
• If confirmed as aggression without contesting the ball → extended suspension.

Under these scenarios, the situation for CR7 is troubling. In the best-case scenario, he would miss only one or two official games. But indications point toward him serving part of the ban during the World Cup itself.

Things worsen because Portugal has not yet secured direct qualification. If the team avoids the playoff round, Cristiano could debut late in the World Cup—or miss the group stage altogether.

A moment that could change the World Cup: analysis and repercussions

Beyond the red card, this episode leaves several takeaways. First, CR7 showed an unusually high level of frustration, perhaps reflecting the pressure of remaining decisive at age 40. Second, Portugal appears emotionally dependent on its captain, and the match revealed a disconnected team once he left the field.

The violent gesture, along with his reaction afterward, drew the attention of social media, international outlets, and most importantly, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, which now holds the decision over whether one of the greatest players in history will start the World Cup from matchday one.

A red card can change a game. But for Cristiano Ronaldo, this one could change a World Cup.