Chelsea star joins Cristiano Ronaldo in being slapped with 2026 World Cup punishment

Cristiano Ronaldo could be in line to miss the opening fixture of next year’s World Cup after the Al-Nassr hero was sent off against Ireland on Thursday night

Cristiano Ronaldo may be absent from the opening match of the 2026 World Cup, following his dismissal in Thursday night’s game against the Republic of Ireland.

Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo and ex-Man City ace Nicolas Otamendi are also set to miss their respective countries’ inaugural fixtures, having been sent off in Ecuador’s September showdown with Argentina.

Ronaldo was given his marching orders in Portugal’s 2-0 loss to the Republic of Ireland after he elbowed Dara O’Shea, a decision confirmed by a VAR review on the hour mark.

Despite topping their group, Argentina concluded their 2026 World Cup qualifiers on a bitter note as Enner Valencia’s first-half penalty secured a 1-0 victory for Ecuador in September.

The reigning world champions were left a man down after Otamendi, who had a five-season stint with City, received a red card for a reckless tackle.

Blues midfielder Caicedo will sit out Ecuador’s tournament opener after accumulating two yellow cards in the same match, leaving the initial games of the North American-based World Cup slightly bereft of star power.

Ronaldo’s shocking dismissal marked the first in his international career and epitomised a disappointing evening for Portugal. Troy Parrott’s first-half double put Ireland in the driving seat as Ronaldo and his colleagues failed to stage a comeback while at a numerical disadvantage.

Ronaldo’s future now hangs in the balance, depending on the length of his suspension and Portugal’s path to qualification. If he were to be handed a ban exceeding one match, it could extend into the group stage of the World Cup proper.

For instance, if Portugal secure automatic qualification and Ronaldo is slapped with a two-match ban, he would sit out the Armenia qualifier and the World Cup opener. However, if he receives a two-match ban and Portugal falter against Armenia, he would miss the first leg of a play-off.

Portugal remain in a favourable position to qualify from Group F for next summer’s tournament. A win at home against Armenia would clinch their spot, but any slip-ups could pave the way for Hungary and Ireland, who face off in Sunday’s other match.

Ronaldo’s vexation didn’t end with his errant elbow. The ex-Manchester United star also made an exaggerated crying gesture at O’Shea before leaving the pitch.

The Dublin crowd even jeered the Real Madrid legend throughout the match. He retorted by sarcastically applauding the Irish supporters before exchanging words with Ireland manager Heimir Hallgirmsson as he headed down the tunnel.

Hallgirmsson later revealed what was said during his exchange with Ronaldo. “He complimented me for putting pressure on the referee,” the Ireland boss disclosed.

“But listen, it had nothing to do with me, it was his action on the pitch that cost him a red card. It had nothing to do with me, unless I got into his head.”

Hallgrimsson also believed that the 40 year old had a significant impact on the match. “[Ronaldo was] controlling the referee,” the Icelandic manager commented post-match, further adding: “He was controlling the whole stadium, so all the fans supported his actions and the referee just kind of played along.”

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