Despite receiving a red card in Group F of the European zone qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo will be able to play in the group stage matches of next year's World Cup.
Idman.Biz reports that, according to a statement from the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, Ronaldo was given a 3-match ban for the red card he received in the match against Ireland.
One match of this penalty has already been served - the footballer did not participate in the group's final match against Armenia. The remaining two-match ban has been suspended for one year.
FIFA emphasized that the decision was not canceled and stated:
"If Cristiano Ronaldo commits a new violation of similar character and severity during the probationary period, the suspended part of the penalty will immediately come into effect and a 2-match disqualification will be automatically applied in the captain's next official matches. This will not prevent additional sanctions for the new violation."
Recall that Ronaldo received a straight red card for elbowing Irish defender Dara O'Shea in Portugal's 0-2 defeat to Ireland.