Cristiano Ronaldo cleared for Portugals 2026 World Cup opener

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·25 November 2025

Cristiano Ronaldo cleared for Portugals 2026 World Cup opener

Cristiano Ronaldo will be available for Portugal’s opening match at the 2026 World Cup after FIFA confirmed the final outcome of his suspension.

The 40-year-old was sent off in the 2-0 defeat to Ireland on 13 November, the first straight red card of his 226-game international career, shown after a VAR check for an alleged aggression on Dara O'Shea.

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FIFA have handed Ronaldo a three-match ban, but only the first - served during Portugal’s 9-1 win over Armenia - takes immediate effect. The remaining two matches are suspended and will only apply if he commits another serious offence before the tournament begins.

The decision, revealed after the FPF’s appeal, means Portugal’s captain will be free to lead the Seleção into their 2026 World Cup debut, provided he avoids further disciplinary trouble in the months ahead.