2026 World Cup: Portugal to appeal for Cristiano Ronaldo | OneFootball

Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo's participation with Portugal in the 2026 World Cup is uncertain due to his red card against Ireland. However, Portugal intends to appeal.

According to Portuguese sources, the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) is considering lodging an appeal with FIFA to ensure that Cristiano Ronaldo's suspension, handed out after his sending off in the 2-0 defeat to Ireland for elbowing Dara O’Shea, does not prevent him from playing in Portugal’s opening match at the 2026 World Cup. Notably, Ronaldo already missed Portugal’s emphatic 9-1 victory over Armenia yesterday as a result of this expulsion. However, the exact length of his ban remains unknown. A multi-match suspension, which is often the case following a straight red card, would rule him out of the first two games of the World Cup.

According to A Bola, the FPF and its president Pedro Proença, who is personally involved, are preparing a detailed three-point complaint in an effort to reduce the sanction. They argue that the hostile atmosphere at Aviva Stadium and the conduct of Ireland’s manager Heimir Hallgrimsson influenced the situation, with the latter previously claiming the Portuguese striker "had influenced the referee" during their previous encounter. Additionally, the federation contends that Ronaldo was provoked by O’Shea pulling his shirt moments before the incident. Finally, they highlight Ronaldo’s exemplary disciplinary record, noting it was his first red card in 226 international appearances.