Cristiano Ronaldo to be banned for 2026 World Cup opener

Keep up with the latest news and be part of our weekly giveaways and airtime sharing; follow our WhatsApp channel for more updates. Click to Follow

Before the 2026 World Cup, Portugal captain, Cristiano Ronaldo is facing suspension.

After being sent out for violent behavior during Thursday’s 2-0 loss to the Republic of Ireland, Ronaldo may miss at least the first match of the tournament next year.

In the 61st minute, the 40-year-old elbowed Ireland defender Dara O’Shea, earning him a yellow card at first.

However, the referee escalated the ruling to a red card after a VAR review.

In his 226th international game, Ronaldo received his first red card for Portugal.

Ronaldo is subject to a mandatory one-match ban in competitive matches under FIFA disciplinary rules.

According to the rules, engaging in aggressive behavior may result in a ban of “at least three matches or an appropriate period of time for assault, including elbowing.”

Pre-tournament friendlies are exempt from the ban, which would only apply to competitive games.

Please don’t forget to “Allow the notification” so you will be the first to get our gist when we publish it. 
Drop your comment in the section below, and don’t forget to share the post.