Cristiano Ronaldo was dismissed from Portugal’s national team camp Friday following his red card in a 2-0 World Cup Qualifiers loss to Ireland, with the veteran forward now facing a potential two-match ban that could sideline him for the start of the 2026 World Cup if his side qualifies.
The 39-year-old Al-Nassr star was ejected in the 60th minute after a VAR review upgraded his yellow card for elbowing defender Dara O’Shea during a frustrating outing at Aviva Stadium, where Ireland’s Troy Parrott scored both goals to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez defended Ronaldo post-match, saying: “Of course, we spoke. I think it’s difficult for a player like Cristiano, who’s in the box. And today he had two defenders constantly in physical contact. There’s no violence.
“He tries to push the defender away and he was unlucky that the VAR… the angle of the images [makes it look] worse than what happened. It’s Ronaldo’s first red card for the national team, it’s incredible.”
Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson noted Ronaldo’s frustration, stating: “He [Cristiano Ronaldo] lost his focus a little bit and maybe it was the fans as well. He was frustrated and reacted in a way he knows he shouldn’t.”
Prior to the game, Ronaldo had expressed fondness for the Irish crowd, telling reporters: “I really like the fans here. The support they give to their national team is lovely. For me, it’s a pleasure to play here again, I hope they don’t boo me too much tomorrow – I swear that I’m going to try to be a good boy.”
According to Portuguese media, Ronaldo has been released to return to Saudi Arabia ahead of Al-Nassr’s November 23 clash with Al-Khaleej, as Portugal eyes direct World Cup qualification with a win over Armenia on Sunday — or risks playoffs if results falter.
The straight red card carries a two-game suspension, potentially impacting Ronaldo’s participation in what could be his final World Cup campaign, amid Ireland’s resurgence that leaves them one point behind Hungary.
