Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup Fate Decided

ISLAMABAD: Cristiano Ronaldo’s pursuit of a record sixth FIFA World Cup remains alive after football’s governing body issued a partially suspended ban on Tuesday, clearing the Portugal captain to participate in the opening fixtures of the 2026 tournament.

The decision brings relief after weeks of uncertainty. Earlier this month, the 40‑year‑old forward was shown a rare red card in Portugal’s 2–0 defeat to Ireland in Dublin — the first dismissal of his 226‑match international career — following an altercation with defender Dara O’Shea. The incident initially carried a three‑match suspension, casting doubt over Ronaldo’s availability for next summer’s showcase.

FIFA has now clarified that only one match of the sanction has been served, Portugal’s qualifier against Armenia, while the remaining two games have been placed under a one‑year probation. According to the statement shared with media, the suspended portion will only be enforced if Ronaldo commits another offence “of similar nature and gravity” within the next 12 months.

Read more: Cristiano Ronaldo Declares 2026 World Cup as His Final Tournament

In practical terms, the ruling ensures that Ronaldo will be eligible from matchday one of the 2026 World Cup, staged across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. For Portugal, the outcome is pivotal. Their talisman, already the all‑time leading scorer in men’s international football with 143 goals, continues to anchor ambitions of capturing the one trophy that has eluded him. His closest attempt came in 2006, and nearly two decades later he remains intent on adding the World Cup to a résumé crowned by Euro 2016 triumph.

With the tournament draw scheduled for December 5, Portugal can now prepare with clarity. The shadow of suspension has lifted, and Cristiano Ronaldo’s quest to etch his name deeper into football’s history will begin without interruption.