Cristiano Ronaldo saw straight red for an elbow in Ireland’s 2-0 victory over Portugal on Thursday night.
As a result, Ronaldo will be absent from Portugal’s final FIFA World Cup qualifier against Armenia on Sunday. His suspension could extend into the tournament, ruling him out of group-stage fixtures.
Ronaldo caught Ireland defender Dara O’Shea with his elbow inside the Irish box during a Portugal free-kick on the hour mark. The referee initially showed him a yellow card, but the VAR advised him to review the incident and a red followed.
Irish fans booed Ronaldo off the pitch after his dismissal.
Cristiano Ronaldo Could Miss World Cup Games After Red Card Against Ireland
Under FIFA disciplinary rules, any red card carries an automatic one-game suspension.
For “serious foul play” the ban is extended to at least two matches. A ban of at least three matches is imposed for “violent conduct” or assault, which includes elbowing.
This ban will apply only to competitive international matches, meaning Ronaldo cannot serve his time by sitting out pre-World Cup friendlies.
In his 226th senior international appearance, Cristiano Ronaldo has been shown a red card for the first time 🟥
Before the match, he said he will try to be on his best behavior 😅
🎥 @BBCSport pic.twitter.com/41uJp9prIv
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) November 13, 2025
So, as things stand, Ronaldo will miss at least the first game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup if Portugal qualify. He could miss two or more World Cup group-stage matches if the disciplinary committee finds malice in his actions.
How Many Red Cards Has Cristiano Ronaldo Seen?
Cristiano Ronaldo saw his first red card for Portugal on Thursday, in his 226th appearance for his country. However, at club level he has been sent off 12 times.
Ronaldo saw four red cards at Manchester United, six at Real Madrid, and one each at Juventus and Al-Nassr.
Ronaldo Records His Worst World Cup Qualifying Performance Against Ireland
In October, Ronaldo became the record goalscorer in World Cup qualifying, extending his tally to five goals in four Group F fixtures.
However, against Ireland Ronaldo looked a shadow of his best. The Al-Nassr forward took five shots, with only one of them hitting the target. He created just one chance, had five touches inside the Irish box, and lost all three duels he contested.
Cristiano Ronaldo vs Ireland:
61 Minutes
0 Goals/Assists
1/5 Shots on Goal
0/3 Duels Won
0 Dribbles
1 Red CardWHO’S CRYING NOW 🥺🥺🥺 pic.twitter.com/4iiPoXvFum
— Hater Central (@TheHateCentral) November 13, 2025
His worst infringement came on the hour mark, as he got himself sent off in a moment of madness. With Portugal trailing 2-0 to Troy Parrott’s brace, Ronaldo was expected to lead by example. Instead, he left his country with a significant disadvantage.
Portugal still lead Group F with 10 points, sitting two clear of Hungary. But to secure automatic qualification, they must beat Armenia at home on Matchday 6.
