Fifa World Cup 2026: Cristiano Ronaldo cleared to play opening World Cup 2026 matches after Fifa ruling

AFP

25 Nov, 2025 05:53 PM2 mins to read

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Cristiano Ronaldo is set to play at a sixth World Cup next year. Photo / Photosport

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Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo can play in the opening matches of the 2026 World Cup after global football governing body Fifa gave him a partially “suspended” ban on Tuesday following a red card.

The 40-year-old was sent off as Portugal lost 2-0 to Ireland in Dublin earlier in November when
he elbowed Dara O’Shea in the back, for his first dismissal in 226 international appearances.

Fifa banned Ronaldo for three matches, two of which will be suspended and the other has already been served, when Portugal sealed their qualification for next summer’s tournament against Armenia.

“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,” said Fifa in a statement given to AFP.

“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 [Portugal] matches.”