Ronaldo’s red card puts his 2026 World Cup in doubt

November 17, 2025 Oliver Obel

Match coverage from Reuters showed Portugal dictating possession in the opening stages, though without creating real danger. Ireland took advantage of a rare early opportunity when Troy Parrott scored after 17 minutes, stunning the visitors.

Parrott then struck again shortly before halftime. The second goal sent the Aviva Stadium into full celebration and left Portugal looking unusually flat, unable to find consistent attacking routes.

A turning point that changed the match

As the second half unfolded, tensions rose. Several Portuguese challenges became increasingly tight, and frustration spread through the team as Ireland slowed the tempo and protected their lead.

The decisive incident arrived just past the hour mark. Reuters match reporting noted that Cristiano Ronaldo caught defender Dara O’Shea with an elbow from behind. The referee initially produced a yellow card, but after a VAR review the decision was upgraded to red for violent conduct.

Reuters images showed Ronaldo reacting angrily—clapping toward the crowd and later exchanging words with Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson as he walked off the pitch.

Ireland managed the remainder of the match professionally, closing out a composed 2–0 victory.

What the suspension could mean

The red card raised immediate questions about whether Ronaldo will be available for what he has already confirmed will be his final World Cup.

According to BBC Sport rules analyst Dale Johnson, FIFA’s disciplinary rules mean that a straight red for violent conduct typically results in a two-match suspension. Johnson said:

"Cristiano Ronaldo is set to miss Portugal's first game of the World Cup after being sent off on VAR review for violent conduct.
He should get a two-game ban which would be served vs. Armenia on Sunday and the first game of the World Cup. (Assuming Portugal qualify auto)."

FIFA regulations allow suspensions earned in qualifiers to carry over into the final tournament, which is why the potential absence looms so large.

Portugal still in control

Despite the defeat, Portugal remain atop Group F on 10 points, with a two-point cushion over Hungary. A win against Armenia in their final qualifier would lock in automatic entry to the 2026 finals in the United States.

Ronaldo has already acknowledged that the upcoming tournament will be his last. Speaking at the Tourism Summit in Riyadh, he said:

"Definitely, yes. I will be 41 years old and I think [this] will be the moment in the big competition."

Whether he takes part in Portugal’s opening match now depends on the disciplinary ruling that follows a turbulent night in Dublin.

Sources: Reuters, BBC