Cristiano Ronaldo could be in line to miss the opening fixture of next year's World Cup after the Al-Nassr icon was sent off against Ireland on Thursday night
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo reacts to a decision
Cristiano Ronaldo could be set to miss the opening game of next summer's World Cup
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Cristiano Ronaldo could be set to miss the opening game of the 2026 World Cup after being sent off against the Republic of Ireland on Thursday night. Chelsea's Moises Caicedo and former Man City star Nicolas Otamendi will also miss their country's opening fixtures after receiving their marching orders in Ecuador's clash with Argentina back in September.
Ronaldo was shown a red card in Portugal’s 2-0 defeat by the Republic of Ireland after he swung an elbow at Dara O'Shea, with his dismissal confirmed after a VAR check on the hour mark. Despite qualifying top of their group, Argentina ended their 2026 World Cup qualifiers on a sour note as Enner Valencia's first-half penalty sealed a 1-0 win for Ecuador in September.
The world champions were reduced to 10 men after Otamendi, who played for City for five seasons, picked up a red card for a reckless challenge. Blues midfielder Caicedo will miss Ecuador's first game at the tournament after picking up two yellow cards in the same fixture, as the opening ties of the North American-based World Cup become slightly lighter on star-studded quality.
Ronaldo's shocking red card was the first in his international career and summed up a frustrating night for Portugal. Troy Parrott's first-half brace put Ireland in control as Ronaldo and his team-mates were unable to mount a comeback with a man's disadvantage.
Ronaldo's fate will now hinge on the length of his ban as well as Portugal's route to qualification. Were he to receive a ban of more than one game, it could carry through to the group stage of the World Cup proper.
For example, if Portugal qualify automatically and Ronaldo is handed a two-game ban, he would miss the Armenia qualifier and the World Cup opener. If he gets a two-game ban and Portugal slip up against Armenia, he would miss the first leg of a play-off.
Portugal are still in a strong position to qualify from Group F for next summer's tournament. Victory at home to Armenia will seal the deal, however, dropped points could open the door for Hungary and Ireland, who meet in Sunday's other game.
Nicolas Otamendi of Argentina leaves the pitch after being sent off
Nicolas Otamendi was sent off back in September(Image: 2025 Getty Images)
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Ronaldo’s frustration did not stop after his wayward elbow. The former Manchester United star also made an exaggerated crying gesture at O’Shea before departing the pitch.
Fans in Dublin even booed the Real Madrid icon throughout the tie. He responded by sarcastically clapping the Irish fans before sharing a few words with Ireland manager Heimir Hallgirmsson as he made his way down the tunnel.
Moises Caicedo reacts after a red card
Moises Caicedo was sent off against Argentina in September
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Hallgirmsson later opened up on what was said between himself and Ronaldo. "He complimented me for putting pressure on the referee," the Ireland boss said.
"But listen, it had nothing to do with me, it was his action on the pitch that cost him a red card. It had nothing to do with me, unless I got into his head.”
Hallgrimsson also felt the 40-year-old had a commanding influence over the game. “[Ronaldo was] controlling the referee,” the Icelandic manager said after the game, adding: “He was controlling the whole stadium, so all the fans supported his actions and the referee just kind of played along.”
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