Ronaldo’s Potential World Cup Absence: What It Means for the Tournament Opener

Basio badr

ago 2 hours

Ronaldo’s Potential World Cup Absence: What It Means for the Tournament Opener

Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent red card during a match against the Republic of Ireland could significantly affect Portugal’s upcoming World Cup campaign. The incident occurred at the Aviva Stadium, where Ireland achieved a surprising 2-0 victory over Portugal, jeopardizing their qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

Match Overview

The Republic of Ireland stunned the reigning Nations League champions, Portugal, with a strong performance. Troy Parrott, a striker for AZ Alkmaar, scored both goals, first connecting with a header in the 16th minute and then doubling the lead just before halftime.

Ronaldo’s Dismissal

Ronaldo’s exit came after he was sent off for elbowing defender Dara O’Shea during the match. Initially receiving a yellow card, Ronaldo saw his punishment escalated to a red card after a VAR review. This incident capped a disappointing night for the Portuguese squad.

Implications for World Cup Qualification

The defeat means Portugal must beat Armenia on Sunday to secure their World Cup spot. Ronaldo’s suspension is a major concern; he will definitely miss the match against Armenia. There is a possibility of a further three-match ban due to the nature of his red card under FIFA’s Disciplinary Code.

Potential Ban Duration

A standard one-match suspension for the red card.
A potential three-match suspension for the elbowing incident.

If the three-match suspension is enforced, Ronaldo could miss Portugal’s opening two World Cup group stage matches if they top Group F. If they finish second and qualify through the play-offs, he may still be eligible at the start of the tournament.

Other World Cup Updates

In other news, France secured their qualification for the 2026 World Cup with a dominant 4-0 win over Ukraine. Kylian Mbappe starred with two goals, showcasing his remarkable form. Meanwhile, Norway also edged closer to their qualification with a decisive 4-1 victory over Estonia, driven by an impressive performance from Erling Haaland.