Cristiano Ronaldo avoids World Cup ban in shock Fifa assertion after Donald Trump go to
Cristiano Ronaldo was shown a red card for violent conduct against Ireland after elbowing Ipswich Town defender Dara O’Shea in Portugal’s World Cup qualifier – but he won’t miss premiere tournament
Cristiano Ronaldo has received a shock lifeline just under 200 days before the World Cup begins. He now has the all-clear to feature in Portugal’s first match next summer despite receiving his marching orders in their penultimate qualifier.
FIFA have confirmed they slapped a three-match suspension on Ronaldo following his dismissal for throwing an elbow against Ireland. That put the 40-year-old at real jeopardy of missing a substantial portion of the World Cup.
He has already declared it will be his final appearance on football’s biggest stage. Ronaldo fulfilled the first of his three-game punishment during Portugal’s final qualifier with Armenia.
The remaining two matches are suspended. FIFA are taking into consideration his exemplary disciplinary record and the fact that this marked his maiden red card offence.
FIFA released a statement declaring: “The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has imposed a three-match ban on Cristiano Ronaldo following his direct red card at the FIFA World Cup 2026 preliminary competition match between the Republic of Ireland and Portugal played in Dublin on 13 November 2025.
“The first of the three matches was served in the encounter Portugal v. Armenia, played on 16 November 2025. 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 after Ronaldo was a guest with FIFA president Gianni Infantino at the White House. He was a big-name guest at a gala dinner with Donald Trump.
Ronaldo recently said he would retire soon. He clarified: “Soon for me means in 10 years … No, I’m joking.
“I’m really enjoying the moment right now. As you know, in football, when you reach some age, you count the months very quick. I feel very good in this moment. I score goals; I still feel quick and sharp. I’m enjoying my game in the national team.
“But of course, let’s be honest. What I mean by soon is probably one or two years.”
On whether 2026 would be his last World Cup, he said: “Definitely, yes, because I will be 41 years old.
“I gave everything for football. I’ve been in the game for the last 25 years. I did everything. I have many records in the different scenarios in the clubs and also in the national teams.”
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