Cristiano Ronaldo has been given the green light to play in Portugal’s opening matches at the 2026 World Cup after FIFA partially suspended his three-match ban, the governing body confirmed on Tuesday. The decision clears his name for the group-stage kickoff, provided he avoids any further disciplinary slips in the coming months.
The ban followed a red card Ronaldo received in a World Cup qualifying match against the Republic of Ireland. During the game, he was penalised for violent conduct after appearing to elbow defender Dara O’Shea—initially shown a yellow card, but upgraded to red after a VAR review.
Although FIFA handed him a three-game suspension, only one match has to be served immediately—a one-game ban Ronaldo already completed during the qualifier against Armenia. The remaining two games of the suspension are now on hold, placed under a one-year probation. If Ronaldo commits a similar offence during that period, the remaining matches will be activated.
FIFA’s decision draws on Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code, which allows for the partial or full suspension of sanctions in cases where certain conditions are met. In this case, FIFA cited his long career and the fact it was his first red card in 226 international appearances.
At 40 years old and under contract with Al-Nassr until 2027, Ronaldo will go into what may be his sixth World Cup with all eyes on him. Despite being one of the greatest goal-scorers in the sport’s history, he has yet to win the biggest prize of all—the FIFA World Cup.
