Ronaldo ready for 2026 after FIFA ruling, renewing Messi rivalry

November 27, 2025 Oliver Obel

Ronaldo’s disciplinary trouble began in Portugal’s penultimate qualifier in Dublin. According to Reuters and AP reports, referee Glenn Nyberg sent off the veteran forward shortly after reviewing video replays that showed Ronaldo making contact with Ireland defender Dara O’Shea with an elbow.

Ireland won the match 2–0 with two goals from Troy Parrott, a result that briefly tightened the group.

Under FIFA’s standard guidelines, violent conduct typically brings a three-match ban. Ronaldo served an automatic one-game suspension as Portugal went on to overwhelm Armenia 9–1 in Porto, securing first place in Group F.

FIFA opts for a probationary approach

Instead of enforcing the remaining two games immediately, FIFA placed the suspension on hold for one year. In a statement cited by international outlets, the organization said the remaining ban will be automatically activated if Ronaldo commits a similar offense during that period.

The decision clears him to take part in Portugal’s group-stage campaign in the United States, Canada and Mexico next summer.

Portugal’s outlook and the continuing Ronaldo–Messi storyline

Portugal will enter the 2026 tournament with one of the sport’s most decorated players still central to their plans. Ronaldo scored five times during qualification, extending his men's international scoring record to 143.

His presence also sets the stage for what could be the final World Cup featuring both Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

The pair are expected to become the first players in history to appear in six World Cups. Messi, who led Argentina to the title in 2022, has 13 World Cup goals across five tournaments, while Germany’s Miroslav Klose remains the all-time leader with 16.

Ronaldo’s chances of closing the statistical gap will hinge on how far Portugal progress. With disciplinary uncertainty now behind him, he enters the tournament with a clearer path — and one more opportunity to shape his rivalry with Messi on the sport’s biggest stage.

Sources: Reuters, AP, BBC