Cristiano Ronaldo is set to grace the 2026 World Cup stage after FIFA imposed a probationary suspension. The global football governing body handed down a three-match ban for a recent on-field infraction, but critically, two of those matches are suspended. Ronaldo has already served the mandatory one-game ban, meaning he will remain eligible for upcoming tournaments unless he commits a similar offense within a one-year period.
The suspension stemmed from Ronaldo’s red card during a World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland, where he was penalized for elbowing an opponent. FIFA’s disciplinary committee has ruled that the three-match ban will have only one game enforced. That match, Portugal’s commanding 9-1 win against Armenia, was crucial in securing their qualification for the expanded North American World Cup. The remaining two games of the ban are conditional, pending Ronaldo’s behavior over the next year.
This ruling ensures that Ronaldo can participate in his sixth World Cup without immediate consequence. Portugal’s friendly matches in March and other planned warm-up games leading up to the tournament are not impacted. The timing of FIFA’s verdict has generated discussion, particularly given recent public appearances by the player. FIFA has also indicated that the disciplinary decision is subject to appeal. Portugal will discover their World Cup group stage pairings on December 5th at the official draw event.