Cristiano Ronaldo has received a reprieve, allowing him to participate in Portugal’s opening match of the 2026 World Cup. The 40-year-old superstar was initially handed a three-match ban by FIFA following his red card in a World Cup qualifying match against Ireland, where he elbowed Dara O’Shea. However, FIFA has suspended the final two games of the ban, putting Ronaldo back in contention for Portugal’s World Cup campaign.
The decision, made under Article 27 of FIFA’s Disciplinary Code, places Ronaldo on a one-year probation period. If he commits another similar offense during this time, the remaining two matches will be reinstated. Ronaldo has already served one match of the suspension, missing Portugal’s 9-1 win over Armenia. This ruling allows him to lead Portugal in their pursuit of World Cup glory, potentially marking his sixth and final World Cup appearance.
