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 20 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 threematch ban due to the nature of his red card under FIFA’s Disciplinary Code.
Potential Ban Duration
- A standard onematch suspension for the red card.
- A potential threematch suspension for the elbowing incident.
If the threematch 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 playoffs, 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 40 win over Ukraine. Kylian Mbappe starred with two goals, showcasing his remarkable form. Meanwhile, Norway also edged closer to their qualification with a decisive 41 victory over Estonia, driven by an impressive performance from Erling Haaland.
Next Matches
- Portugal vs. Armenia
- Ireland vs. Hungary
- Italy vs. Moldova
As the World Cup approaches, the implications of Ronaldo’s potential absence will loom large over Portugal’s preparations and aspirations.