Cristiano Ronaldo could miss the first two matches of the 2026 World Cup , a significant prospect given that the Portuguese striker has already confirmed this will be his last World Cup. Sent off against Ireland Рthe first ever red card of his 226 international appearances Рafter a yellow card was upgraded to a red for an elbow on Dara O'Shea, Ronaldo is automatically suspended for the crucial match against Armenia. But the worst could be yet to come: FIFA's disciplinary code stipulates a minimum two-match suspension for "serious misconduct" and three for "aggression ," including elbows, according to The Sun. If Portugal secures qualification this Sunday, Ronaldo would therefore start the World Cup from the stands, with the risk of only playing one match if the Sele̤̣o fails to advance from their group.
Roberto Martinez has already announced that Portugal will contest any attempt to increase the sanction, deeming the initial decision harsh: "Cristiano has never been sent off in 226 matches. It's a bit harsh. He spent almost an hour being pulled and pushed. He tries to get away, the defender falls dramatically ." The incident has also reignited tensions with Ireland, whose manager Heimir Hallgrimsson, who had accused him of "refereeing the match" in the previous game, recounted that Ronaldo confronted him as he left the pitch: "He congratulated me for putting pressure on the referee. It's his action that cost him the red card, not me ." If the suspension is increased, Ronaldo would also miss any potential playoffs in March. A situation that directly threatens his final campaign.
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