Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo has been cleared to play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after FIFA suspended the remaining two matches of his three-game ban.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who is still pursuing his remarkable target of 1,000 career goals, served the first match of his suspension during Portugal’s 9–1 win over Armenia. Under initial expectations, he would have missed the first two matches of the World Cup in the United States next summer, likely his final major tournament at age 41.
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However, FIFA opted for a soft interpretation of the disciplinary regulations, allowing Ronaldo to remain available for the entire 2026 World Cup. Portugal can now plan their campaign with their iconic forward fully involved.
“In line with Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the serving of the two remaining matches has been suspended under a one-year probation period,” FIFA said in a statement.
“If Cristiano Ronaldo commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be automatically revoked, and the remaining two matches must be served immediately in the next official matches of the Portuguese representative team.”
The decision comes as a major relief for Roberto Martínez’s side, who will rely on Ronaldo’s experience and goal-scoring instincts as they push for a deep run at the expanded 2026 World Cup.
