Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo will be available for the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening matches after global football body FIFA handed him a partially “suspended” ban on Tuesday, following his recent red card.
Ronaldo, the all-time leading men’s goalscorer in international football with 143 goals is targeting a record sixth World Cup appearance next summer when the tournament takes place in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
The 40-year-old received a red card during Portugal’s 2-0 defeat in Dublin earlier in November after elbowing Dara O’Shea in the back, marking his first dismissal in 226 international appearances.
FIFA issued a three-match ban to Ronaldo, with two of those games suspended while the remaining one has already been served during Portugal’s qualification-clinching match against Armenia for next summer’s tournament.
FIFA Statement,
“In accordance with Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the remaining two matches of his suspension have been deferred a one-year probation period.
“If Cristiano Ronaldo commits another offence of similar nature and severity during the probation period, the suspended sanction will be automatically reinstated. It requiring him to serve the remaining two matches immediately in Portugal’s next official fixtures.”
The former Real Madrid and Manchester United striker, who currently plays for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. He has yet to lift the World Cup trophy, although he did guide Portugal to their historic Euro 2016 triumph.
The draw for the World Cup group stage is scheduled to take place on December 5.
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