2026 World Cup: Cristiano Ronaldo's suspension sparks controversy | OneFootball

Cristiano Ronaldo

On Tuesday, FIFA announced the sanction for Cristiano Ronaldo following his sending off against Northern Ireland. The Portuguese superstar will be eligible to play in Portugal’s opening match at the 2026 World Cup next summer.

Yesterday, Cristiano Ronaldo received good news as FIFA decided to hand him just a one-match suspension after the red card he picked up against Northern Ireland a few days ago. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner was sent off for elbowing Dara O’Shea.

But, in the end, Portugal will be able to count on their talisman, who received only a one-match ban from FIFA: "In accordance with Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the enforcement of the two remaining matches has been suspended for a probationary period of one year. If Cristiano Ronaldo commits another offense of a similar nature and gravity during the probation period, the suspension outlined in the disciplinary decision will be automatically revoked and the two remaining matches must be served immediately in the next official games."

This decision has sparked heated debate everywhere. That’s the case in Portugal, where Record is pleased but also surprised by the outcome: "Contrary to initial expectations, Cristiano Ronaldo received only a one-match suspension from FIFA following his dismissal against Ireland. The Portuguese star has now served his ban – he missed the 9-1 victory over Armenia – and will be able to take part in the 2026 World Cup." On the other hand, A Bola is more critical: "FIFA has double standards. I don’t believe any other player besides Ronaldo would have been forgiven…"

In Northern Ireland, the BBC points out he should have been suspended for longer: "Cristiano Ronaldo, 40, was sent off for elbowing Dara O’Shea in the back during Portugal’s 2-0 defeat in the qualifiers earlier this month. Violent conduct usually results in a three-match ban, but Ronaldo has been given a suspended sentence for his second and third games for one year." In England, the Daily Mail questions the timing of FIFA’s announcement: "Cristiano Ronaldo will play in the World Cup opener: FIFA allows Portugal to field their star man in an unprecedented decision, despite his red card for violent conduct against Ireland – just a week after his meeting with US President Donald Trump."