Ronaldo Cleared for World Cup Opener After FIFA Suspends Majority of Ban

Cristiano Ronaldo will participate in Portugal’s 2026 World Cup kickoff matches after FIFA suspended two-thirds of his three-game ban, contingent on no further disciplinary incidents during a one-year probation period. The ruling spares the captain from missing early tournament fixtures despite his red card in a November qualifier.

By Chris Posiano

November 25, 2025 at 10:58 PM

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Cristiano Ronaldo has secured clearance to compete in Portugal’s opening 2026 World Cup fixtures following a FIFA disciplinary decision that conditionally suspends the bulk of his three-match ban. The 39-year-old captain received the sanction after a November 13 clash with Republic of Ireland defender Dara O’Shea during a World Cup qualifier, an incident that saw his initial yellow card upgraded to a red for apparent violent conduct.

While Ronaldo has already served one match of the suspension—missing Portugal’s final qualifier against Armenia—the remaining two games will not take effect unless he commits a similar offense within the next year. A FIFA statement confirmed the probationary arrangement under Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code, stipulating that any repeat infringement would trigger immediate enforcement of the suspended matches during Portugal’s next official fixtures, including potential World Cup group stage contests.

“The suspension of the two matches is contingent on clean conduct for 12 months,” the ruling emphasized, noting additional penalties could apply for future violations. The decision arrives weeks after Ronaldo attended a high-profile White House gala alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino, U.S. President Donald Trump, and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman—raising speculation about external influences on the outcome.

Sky Sports News Chief Correspondent Kaveh Solhekol described the verdict as “unprecedented,” highlighting Ronaldo’s unique stature in global football. “Typically, such an offense would mandate absence from Portugal’s first two World Cup games,” Solhekol noted. “Yet this compromise safeguards both Ronaldo’s tournament participation and FIFA’s interest in retaining its marquee star on football’s biggest stage.” Critics argue the leniency undermines disciplinary consistency, though supporters cite Ronaldo’s pristine 226-match international record prior to the Irish incident.

Portugal’s World Cup journey begins in June 2026, with the group-stage draw scheduled for December 5 in Washington, D.C. Hosted jointly by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, the tournament will kick off June 11 in Mexico City and conclude with the final at New York’s MetLife Stadium on July 19. Ronaldo, now poised to chase further World Cup glory, faces heightened scrutiny to maintain composure as Portugal aims to build on its Euro 2024 success.