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Cristiano Ronaldo was shown a straight red card as Portugal suffered a 2–0 defeat to the Republic of Ireland in Thursday’s 2026 World Cup qualifier in Dublin, raising the prospect of the 40-year-old missing the opening matches of next summer’s tournament.
Ronaldo was dismissed in the second half for elbowing defender Dara O’Shea, with Portugal already trailing at the Aviva Stadium.
The incident came just a day after Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson publicly urged Swedish referee Glenn Nyberg not to officiate the match, a comment Ronaldo appeared to reference as he walked off the pitch.
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Ronaldo is guaranteed a minimum one-match suspension, ruling him out of Portugal’s final qualifier against Armenia. But under FIFA regulations, the nature of the offence could result in a three-game ban, potentially sidelining him for Portugal’s first two group matches at the 2026 World Cup.
Hallgrimsson hinted post-match that his pre-game comments may have unsettled the Portugal captain.
Asked what Ronaldo said to him while leaving the field, the Icelandic coach replied.
“He complimented me for putting pressure on the referee. It was his action on the pitch that cost him the red card… unless I got into his head.”
He added that he saw no need for further discussion after full-time.
“It was a moment of silliness from him, I would say.”
Portugal manager Roberto Martínez defended his captain, suggesting the decision was harsh.
Martínez noted that Ronaldo had endured persistent grappling from defenders throughout the match and argued the incident “looked worse than it was” on camera.
“He’s never been sent off in 226 games for Portugal. That deserves credit,” Martínez said. “I don’t think it’s an elbow, more a full-body movement. But we accept the decision.”
