FIFA Clears Ronaldo to Play in 2026 World Cup Opener Despite Red Card Suspension

In a surprising twist, Cristiano Ronaldo has been cleared by FIFA to feature in Portugal’s opening match at the 2026 World Cup, despite his recent red card for violent conduct — an offence that would normally result in a multi-game suspension.

The 40-year-old forward was dismissed for elbowing Dara O’Shea during Republic of Ireland’s 2-0 victory over Portugal in November’s World Cup qualifier. As a result, he missed his nation’s final qualifying match against Armenia. Typically, violent conduct carries a suspension of at least two, and usually three competitive matches.

However, in a rare ruling announced overnight, FIFA confirmed that Ronaldo’s additional two-game suspension has been suspended for a year, meaning he will be available when the tournament kicks off in North America in June 2026.

“If Cristiano Ronaldo commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension set out in the disciplinary decision shall be deemed automatically revoked and the remaining two matches must be served immediately,” FIFA explained in its official statement.

It was Ronaldo’s first red card in 226 international appearances — a record-breaking career that began in 2003 — and that clean disciplinary history is believed to have influenced the decision. Article 27 of FIFA’s disciplinary code gives the governing body the power to exercise discretion in unique cases, and officials reportedly viewed Ronaldo’s record and global stature as mitigating factors.

Even so, the leniency has sparked debate. Armenia captain Tigran Barseghyan, who also received a red card for violent conduct in the same qualification window, is serving the full three-match suspension — despite it being the first dismissal of his career.

The outcome has once again raised questions about FIFA’s consistency and its tendency to make “star exceptions.” Critics have pointed to a similar incident last year, when FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed that Inter Miami, Lionel Messi’s club, would participate in the inaugural expanded Club World Cup, despite not meeting the standard qualification criteria.