Cristiano Ronaldo faces a real risk of being suspended for at least the first match of the 2026 World Cup after receiving the first red card of his historic international career during Portugal’s 2–0 loss to the Republic of Ireland.

The incident occurred in the 61st minute, when Ronaldo was sent off for violent conduct after striking defender Dara O’Shea with his arm. Initially shown a yellow card, the referee upgraded it to red following a VAR recommendation and an on-field monitor review.

The dismissal is significant as it marks Ronaldo’s first red card in 226 appearances for Portugal — an all-time record in men’s football. At club level, he had already been sent off 13 times.

As a result, the Al Nassr forward will serve an automatic suspension in Sunday’s match against Armenia — a game in which a Portuguese win would secure their spot in the World Cup, to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

FIFA’s disciplinary rules impose strict penalties in cases of aggression:

• At least 2 matches of suspension for serious foul play

• At least 3 matches for violent conduct, including actions such as elbowing
  These suspensions can only be served in official competitive matches, not in pre-tournament friendlies.

After the match, Portugal manager Roberto Martínez defended his captain.
He emphasized that Ronaldo “had never been sent off in 226 games” and called the decision “too harsh,” arguing that the star had been grabbed and pushed repeatedly inside the box before the incident.
Martínez also said the play “looks worse on camera than it really was” and should not be interpreted as a deliberate elbow.

Before the match, Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson had warned the referee not to allow Ronaldo to “influence the game,” recalling incidents from the previous meeting when Irish fans accused Ronaldo of pressuring the officials.

After being sent off, Ronaldo left the pitch to loud boos, responding with sarcastic applause and a thumbs-up gesture toward the crowd. Hallgrimsson said the player even approached him as he exited, claiming the coach had put “pressure on the referee” — a comment Hallgrimsson considered sarcastic.

Despite the loss, Portugal still leads Group F with a two-point advantage over Hungary. A victory against Armenia will secure qualification and move Ronaldo closer to playing in his sixth World Cup — an unprecedented milestone.