Portugal face Armenia today in a crucial World Cup qualifying fixture—one that could secure their place at the 2026 World Cup with a win, and almost guarantee qualification even with a draw. A defeat, however, may push them towards the high-pressure route of the play-offs. Yet, in this decisive encounter, Portugal will be without their talisman, Cristiano Ronaldo, who is suspended after receiving a red card against the Republic of Ireland on Thursday.
For Ronaldo and Portugal, the bigger concern lies ahead. A straight red automatically triggers a one-match suspension, but the final length of the ban depends on the severity of the offence, as determined later by FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee. This uncertainty has sparked anxiety among fans: could Ronaldo actually miss one or two matches at the World Cup?
What exactly did Ronaldo do?
In the 61st minute against Ireland, Ronaldo struck Dara O’Shea with his elbow. The referee initially showed a yellow card, but after a VAR review, upgraded it to red—indicating that the incident was considered serious.
Possible Punishment
Under Article 14.1 of FIFA’s disciplinary code:
Two-match bans are issued for dangerous or excessively aggressive challenges while attempting to play the ball.
Three-match bans or more apply to violent conduct—such as elbowing, punching, kicking or other hostile acts.
Because Ronaldo’s action involved an elbow to the opponent’s face, FIFA could classify it as violent conduct, which carries a minimum three-match suspension. This would mean missing the first two group-stage matches at the World Cup, should Portugal qualify directly.
A recent comparison is Real Madrid’s Aurélien Tchouaméni, who received a two-match ban for a straight red in France’s match against Iceland. Another example: earlier this season FIFA handed Armenia’s Tigran Barseghyan a three-match ban for a head-butt.
If Portugal Qualify Today
If Portugal defeat or draw with Armenia, they will officially book their World Cup ticket. In that scenario, their next competitive matches will be in June 2026 at the World Cup itself. Ronaldo would then serve his ban in the group stage—whether that is one, two, or three matches.
Friendly matches in March will not count towards the suspension.
When Will the Final Decision Be Announced?
FIFA has no fixed timeframe, but decisions typically arrive within the following month. The most significant date is 5 December, when the 2026 World Cup draw takes place in Washington DC. Ronaldo is expected to know his official ban around that time.
Is There Any Chance Ronaldo Still Plays the Opening Match?
It depends entirely on the severity of the punishment. If the ban is limited to one match, he would only miss Portugal’s next competitive game. A two-match or three-match ban would impact the World Cup group phase—unless Portugal fail to qualify today and are forced into the European play-offs, where Ronaldo would serve the suspension before the World Cup.
In such a scenario, he could still start Portugal’s World Cup campaign, but his absence in the play-offs would be a significant blow for his team.