Ronaldo's World Cup Save Mission: Portugal’s Bold Bet to Keep Him In the Game
15 November 2025
Portugal is moving to shield its legend and star Cristiano Ronaldo from the nightmare of missing the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Ronaldo was shown a straight red card during Portugal's 0-2 defeat to the Republic of Ireland in the fifth round of European qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, apparently for an off-ball clash with an Ireland defender.
Portuguese Moves
A Bola reports that Pedro Proença, president of the Portuguese Football Federation, is closely watching the disciplinary process under FIFA to determine Ronaldo’s fate.
The final decision is expected by the end of November or the start of December at the latest.
Until then, the Portuguese federation will file a comprehensive defense in Ronaldo’s favor, hoping for the lightest possible consequence—a one-match ban.
Pending Shock?
If the federation succeeds and Ronaldo lands only a brief ban, he would miss the Armenia match tomorrow at the Dragao, the last European qualifier before World Cup 2026.
After that fixture, Ronaldo would return to Portugal duty in time for the World Cup 2026, avoiding what could be a dramatic early exit from the tournament start.
Historic Red Card
In the Ireland game, Ronaldo was sent off in the 62nd minute after a VAR review for striking an Irish defender with an elbow, off the ball.
The red card left Portugal already trailing 0-2 and forced them to finish with ten men.
This was Ronaldo’s first red card for Portugal in his 226th appearance since debuting in 2003.
However, the sanction could also deprive the “Madrigal Rocket” of participation in Portugal’s first two World Cup 2026 group-stage matches, according to Sky Sports.
Sky Sports cited FIFA’s Disciplinary Code, Article 14, which states that a violent conduct offense can lead to a three-match ban. Given Portugal has only one qualifier remaining, Ronaldo could serve the remaining punishment at the World Cup, missing the first two group games.
The World Cup Finale?
Ronaldo dreams of a perfect World Cup send-off as he eyes the United States, Canada, and Mexico edition.
He acknowledged at a recent event that 2026 will likely be his last World Cup, as he will be 41 by then.
“My final objective is to appear at the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. That will be my last World Cup,” he said, adding he has given everything to football over 25 years and will enjoy what remains.
Notably, this will be Ronaldo’s sixth World Cup, a record unlikely to be matched soon, potentially shared with Lionel Messi, who has appeared in every World Cup since 2006, including 2022 in Qatar.
Punchline time: If Ronaldo’s red card is how you end a fairy tale, at least the fairy godmother gave him a loan of a few extra minutes—press conferences included. Also: if drama sold World Cups, Ronaldo’s career would need a stadium just for autographs.
